Her Stand-in Cowboy by Crystal Walton

 

When a wary farm girl takes on a big city chiropractor as her stand-in boyfriend, convincing her family they’re in love might be easier than convincing themselves they’re not.

There are certain things a single country mom learns to accept. Like the fact that she now shares a sacred bond of empathy with her dairy cow, that spit-up can reach places it never should be able to, and that a pretend relationship is far less complicated than one her southern mama insists on setting her up in. At least, it is when you have anyone’s luck besides Ainsley Jamison’s.

Only in Ainsley’s life would her imaginary decoy turn out to be a real-life city boy who is as hilariously wrong for her as he is persistent. With less than four weeks before her entire family shows up for Thanksgiving, they don’t have a cotton-picking prayer of turning Connor into a believable cowboy in time, let alone fix up her place while they’re at it.

Heaven knows Ainsley’s already maxed out her faith hoping she made the right choice raising her son there. But while praying she didn’t make a mistake taking on her daddy’s farm is one thing, praying she didn’t make one taking on Connor Allen is another entirely. One that’s about to turn everything in her life upside down.

* Amazon * Goodreads *

 

The premise of this book is fun and I always love to read fake anything that turns into something real.  The farm setting lends itself to many humorous situations because hello, animals are unpredictable.  There were many smile worthy moments- the goat and pig being some of them.  The author obviously understands the ins and outs of being a new mother and dealing with all the "fun" things that can create embarrassing and laughable situations.

 

I enjoyed the "family" of characters in this book and how, despite their quirks and oddities, they loved each other well.  The names of the animals made me smile.  Conner is such a good sport, at all times.  I loved his easy going nature, his desire to please and his consistency.

 

I've been reading (and loving) this author's books for a long time but this one felt different to me.  I think it might have been the attempt at lightness and humor which sometimes felt a bit far fetched when so many things happened at once, repeatedly. The real emotions were there but it was hit and miss because I was distracted.  It would feel like a Crystal Walton book but then it would snap out and feel like something else.  It didn't have that emotional build up that I've come to love from this author.  Maybe I just love her more serious stuff.  

 

I didn't LOVE this book, but I did LIKE it.  

 

Content:  kissing

 

- I picked this book up on KU. 

Romancing the Conflicted Cowboy (Sage Valley Ranch Book 1) by Crystal Walton

An out-of-place writer risking everything to stay. A conflicted cowboy afraid to risk letting her. And one little arrangement about to become more complicated than either bargained for.

For romance author Callie Claston, visiting a Texas dude ranch to save her career makes perfect sense. The harebrained idea to romance a veterinarian who thinks sending her into cow patty landmines is the art of subtlety, however, might qualify her as crazy. Then again, little does he know how much a challenge fuels her. Until it collides with a dream she never expected to be real.

Single dad Reed Allen has at least two reasons—both with smiles just like his—for trying to run off the intriguing city girl hiding a secret. But when he reluctantly agrees to help Callie with her research, knowing he should stay guarded around her does absolutely nothing to prepare him for the moment when he can’t.

Can a writer who’s never found her own ever-after and a cowboy who lost his too soon restore enough faith in love to start a new chapter together?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I am always happy to see a new book by Crystal Walton.  This is not only a new book but the beginning of a new series!  That is definitely a happy, happy thing.

This book has lots of tender moments but also has many amusing moments as Callie stumbles her way through dude ranch living.  I loved that Callie was able to laugh at herself in those embarrassing moments.  She owned her bumbles and held her chin up.  It made her a fantastic character.  Callie is an author and I loved how she described writing as not just a dream but as something that she just had to do.  It lived within her.  

There was a great build up of chemistry between Reed and Callie.  I loved their interactions and their conversations- especially the heart felt, emotional ones.  Reed is trying to fight his interest and his attraction to Callie but he sure isn't very good at it!  Thank goodness!!  haha.

I really enjoyed this book.  It was easy to settle in with and over before I knew it.  I cannot wait to see what comes next!!  I hear the title for the next book is Falling For The Younger Cowboy.  Sounds interesting for sure!

This book is only $.99 right now so grab it up!  It's also on Kindle Unlimited if you have that.  Happy reading!

Content:  kissing

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

Chasing Someday (Home in You Book 4) by Crystal Walton

Ex-model Livy Hensley has exactly three talents: making coffee, landing herself in the most awkward moments known to man, and failing miserably at relationships. But when the sweetest southern boy on the planet offers to be your dating coach, who could say no? Between struggling to open a café and trying to atone for a consequence of her past, Livy can use all the help she can get. Besides, what could possibly go wrong on a few practice dates with your best friend?

Chase Thompson's no stranger to hard work. If that's what it takes to prove to Livy they should be together, then he's all in. He can handle pretending he's not hopelessly in love with her. Sort of. Almost. Okay, nowhere close. But with a conflicting solution to his family's greatest trial on the line, the stakes of keeping his dating coach plan from backfiring have never been higher.

Up against the countdown of choices, Chase and Livy must find the courage to risk what they fear most for the someday they've always hoped for.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I love this series by Crystal Walton and I was so happy to hold the newest book in my hands.  Her books are so easy to settle in with and the characters are always flawed, imperfect and completely endearing.  I am always drawn in from the very beginning.

This story had an excellent build up of emotions and chemistry.  I love, love, loved Chase.  He was so fantastically persistent in his desire for Livy to see her worth, value and his love for her.  I loved how hard he tried to convey those things to her with everything he said and did.  How could I not love Chase?!

There were plenty of real life messes and heartache surrounding both Livy and Chase, pulling them in different directions.  They are struggles almost all readers will be able to relate to in some way or another.  Oh, and I loved getting small glimpses of previous characters in this book.  It really helps to give this book and this series a feeling of community and home.

If you haven't ever read any of Crystal Walton's books, you really need to!  Especially if you love clean romance.  This book is a steal of a deal right now at just $.99 and it's also on Kindle Unlimited!  You don't have to read this series in order, but you might be just a touch happier if you do.  :)

Content:  kissing, implied past intimate relations that led to pregnancy, a scene of sexual harassment, Christian faith elements (talk of faith and depending on God but nothing preachy)

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

Just Maybe (Home In You #3) by Crystal Walton

When a case of mistaken identity spirals into a more-than-complicated pretend relationship, an adventure seeker and a grammar fanatic just might’ve met each other’s match. 

Three weeks. That’s all the time self-made billionaire Cooper Anderson has to respond to discovering he’s a single dad, sell his lake house, and catch a one-way ticket across the world. The quick-witted nanny responding to his ad couldn’t be more of a life saver … and maybe a nice distraction. Until the secrets she’s hiding get a little too close to exposing his own.

The one lead guaranteeing Quinn Thompson a promotion just has to land her back in her hometown to finagle an interview out of Mr. Elusive, of all people. But she can hack it, right? Even while mistaken for the nanny, she can keep things quick and professional. No running into her embarrassing southern family, no stirring up the wounds that’d sent her packing four years ago, and definitely no melting over a stockbroker’s unfair dimples and boyish charm.

Why, oh, why doesn’t anything ever go according to plan?

With both their deadlines closing in before they’re ready, Quinn and Cooper must decide whether the life they’re set on pursuing alone is worth more than the one they could be missing together.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I've been reading (and enjoying) Crystal Walton's books from the very beginning and I have to say that I think this book might be my favorite one.  I loved it.  LOVED.  IT.

These characters were so well crafted.  Each page felt like I was peeling back a layer, getting closer to the soul of who they really are.  I loved that.  The whole cast of characters were fantastic.

Oh, and there were sparks flying around everywhere.  The chemistry between Quinn and Cooper is crazy and the butterflies in my tummy were in full force.  I loved their banter and all their interactions.  Good stuff, that.

This book is full of emotion and depth.  The characters grow and learn.  There is a perfect  balance of flirty and fun with serious and challenging.  I could not put this book down.  LOVE!!  😍

Oh!  You can pick this book up on KU if you have that.  OR it's just $.99 to buy!!  Don't miss this fantastic deal!!

Content:  Clean, some kissing

- I received a copy of this book from the author.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Still Falling (Home In You #0) by Crystal Walton

She’s trying to uproot the past. He’s trying to safeguard the future. But neither’s ready for the assignment about to jeopardize both. 

Landing a prominent chair in the Philharmonic Orchestra is part of Bree Ramirez’s determined plans to avoid her old life. Falling smack into her ex-fiancé’s path again? Nowhere close. But with a gang hit targeting her and her brother as loose ends, the pressure to get them out of Queens ushers her straight into the very arms she’s spent the last four years pretending aren’t still home.

On the brink of finally making detective and tackling his parents’ cold case, NYPD Officer Josh D’Angelo is prepared for just about anything. Except playing it cool with the only girl he’s ever loved. Then again, if being assigned Bree’s security detail opens the doors to winning her back, he’ll risk whatever the job requires. Including his heart.

But when Josh’s investigation brings him to a choice he promised Bree he’d never have to make, this unsolicited reunion may cost them their only shot at a second chance. 

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Things can get super messy when you run into your ex-fiance who was also your best friend.  Bree and Josh have a lot of unresolved feelings and unanswered questions.  Especially Josh, who was left behind without any explanation.  Bree has been running for a long time and has now returned home.  Her dad is in the hospital, a gang is trying to target her family, and now her ex is on her security detail.  Did I mention the word messy? 

I really loved Josh.  I loved his sense of duty, his loyalty and his desire to help everyone.  He is just a stand up, all around good guy.  He's someone I would love to have as a friend.  Bree is a bit more difficult to understand and love, but by the end I liked her as well.  

This is a great series.  I have read each book and enjoyed them all so much.  Crystal Walton knows how to write great characters who come to life in her books.  There is always plenty of real life difficulties interwoven with hope and love.  Whenever a get to read one of Crystal's books, I just get cozy and settle in for what I know will be a fantastic story.

This is a novella in the Home in You series.  Each book can stand alone but if you like a timeline flow, you should read them in order.  

Still Falling – A Novella
Write Me Home – Book One
Begin Again – Book Two

Content:  Some mild violence, some kissing

- I received a copy of this book from the author.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Begin Again (Home In You #2) by Crystal Walton + Giveaway

What happens when a free-spirited artist from big-city New York collides with an uptight business owner from small-town Ocracoke? Fireworks. The kind neither saw coming.

A single call is all it takes to drive artist Ti Russo into what she does best. Run. But hey, lying low in a beach town for a while isn’t so bad. Thanks to the distraction of playing consultant to a guy she’s determined to crack, she can almost forget about the past stalking her back home. But she never counted on the real danger being a picket-fenced life she has no business falling for.

Focus and self-preservation have gotten single dad Drew Anderson through the last nine years. With the threat of his shop’s foreclosure jeopardizing his daughter’s health care, the last thing he needs is a distracting hippie chick swooping in to shake up what he’s fought to protect. Including himself. The bank’s deadline adds enough pressure without re-risking feelings better left buried.

But as sparks flare and secrets escalate, the race against time propels Ti and Drew into a choice neither’s ready to make: Find the faith to surrender their past or forfeit their only chance to begin again.

Download Begin Again and escape into a sparks-flying, opposites-attract contemporary clean romance full of small-town charm, broken characters, and deep undertones of grace that’ll win your heart.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Happy Valentines Day today!  I hope you all get to celebrate this day with people that you love.  Love is always something to be celebrated.  💚  I've got a great book today with a fantastic love story!

I've really been looking forward to this book.  Ever since I read the first book in this series, Write Me Home, and got a glimpse of Ti, I've wanted to know her story.  If you haven't anything in this series yet, now is a great time to start.  You don't have to read these books in order, but I would recommend it just for the sake of build up and history.  :)  And, this book is on kindle unlimited if you have that.  yay!

I'm a fan of Crystal Walton because she has a gift for writing real, emotional characters who struggle, but keep moving forward.  Readers will be able to find a bit of themselves in her characters. 

I loved the opposites attract aspect of this book.  It made for some great sparks between Ti and Drew who really are polar opposites in many ways.  Ti radiates energy and confidence with a free spirit attitude.   She also bottles up her pain and her past tightly within herself.  Drew is a tightly wound guy.  He carries many burdens on his shoulders and keeps things carefully controlled in order to stay on top of things.  He is frustrated and has been operating in self preservation mode for a long time.  In actuality, Ti and Drew are more alike than they think.  They have many of the same hurts and frustrations, dreams and talents.  They just handle them in different ways.

This story was a great emotional journey.  I felt like I knew the characters and shared in their success and pain.  The story unwound itself bit by bit so the build up felt significant.  I was drawn in from the very beginning and couldn't put this book down.  

Content:  Clean, some kissing.  Some references to drug abuse and prostitution.

Crystal is having a giveaway on her blog if you are interested!  Enter to win this book and some other goodies as well!  http://crystal-walton.com/begin-again-giveaway/

-I received a copy of this book from the author.  I was under no obligation to review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Arms of Promise by Crystal Walton: It's Release Day!

A dancer who won’t back down. A soldier indebted to a promise. The only thing more dangerous than the threat pitting them together is the secret keeping them apart.

Contemporary dancer Anna Madison is determined to honor her mom’s memory. With the life she’s built in downtown Chicago hinging on an upcoming audition, now’s the worst time for her childhood best friend—and the only man she’s ever loved—to reenter her world. Her dad’s current DA case instigates enough danger without adding on the risk of losing her heart. Again.

Army Ranger Evan O’Riley has always known his place in Anna’s life. Letting his feelings compromise her safety simply isn't an option. Especially when his promise to protect her drives him off the sidelines and into the one place even his special ops training can't save him from. Anna's arms.

Keeping her from uncovering the real reason Evan returns is one thing. Trying to hide the reason he left to begin with could destroy them both. But when the past they’ve both tried to outrun launches them down a heart-pounding road of threats, secrets, and attraction, resisting love may turn into the greatest risk they face.

If you like emotional romances mixed with humor, depth, and characters who come alive on the page, then you'll love Crystal Walton's moving story of love and forgiveness.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I have been reading Crystal Walton's books from the beginning and I swear she just keeps getting better and better.  This book was my favorite so far, I think.  Do I say that every time?  Maybe.  But I really loved this book and if I'm telling someone else about Crystal's books, I'm going to say that this one is my favorite.  :)  If you haven't ever read anything by Crystal Walton, this is a great place to start!

I'm sort of a sucker for second chance at first love kind of books and that is what this one is.  Then, throw in a bit of suspense and you have the perfect recipe for a great book.

Anna and Evan are both characters full of life and depth.  They are so human with strengths and weaknesses.  It was easy to settle into their story and feel right along with them.  Crystal has a gift for writing emotion.  It's one of the things I love best about her books.

So, it's love from me!  Pick up this book.  Read it.  Love it.  

Content:  Clean, some mild violence

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Write Me Home by Crystal Walton

He lives by his heart. She lives by her plans. Until they lose control of both.

Returning to his hometown in the Catskills is the last thing firefighter Ethan DeLuca’s ready for. He’d rather leave memories where they belong—buried under ashes. But if he doesn’t step up to take care of Nonna, who will? Working at the camp down the road seems like the perfect solution. Until his feisty redheaded boss ends up being one fire he has no idea how to put out.

Cassidy McAdams is on a mission. Get the camp Grandpa left her ready to sell, turn enough profit to bail Mom’s business out of foreclosure, and hightail it back to her life in New York City. With unexpected complications mounting, she can’t afford any distractions. Especially a ridiculously charming one who’s eager to rescue her at every turn.

It’d be easier on them both to hide behind professional boundaries. But when unexplained attacks on the camp ignite a connection between them they can’t ignore, running away is no longer an option.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Um, yummy.  Ethan DeLuca is yummy.  You should read this book and discover his yummy-ness too.  Ethan is everything I love in a strong male lead.  He is the man who fixes things.  He tries to protect and help.  He is loyal and did I mention strong?  :)  Yeah, he is good and a little bit broken.  It makes him so yummy.

Cassidy is also strong but in a different way.  Loving her came in bits for me but it happened.  She struggles with trust and love so her strength keeps people out to protect herself.  She had the biggest character arch though and it was very satisfying to see.

I loved the chemistry between Ethan and Cassidy.  It was always there, sparking- even when nothing was happening.  There was depth to the characters and a real human, real feel about them.  It felt good.

I'm really hoping to see another book along these lines for Cassidy's best friend, Ti.  She is someone who needs a happily ever after!  

I really enjoyed this book.  I read through it quickly and felt satisfaction at the conclusion.  

Content:  Some kissing- talk of abuse, drug and alcohol use.  Christian fiction.

Hope Unbroken (Unveiled #3) by Crystal Walton

Accustomed to loss, twenty-two-year-old Emma Matthews learned long ago how to shield her heart from hope. But she never expected it to be the only thing she has left.

A two-thousand-mile flight to Nashville should’ve been enough time for Emma to sort out her future with Riley. Then again, when has time ever played fair? With a contract ultimatum jeopardizing Riley’s career and a ruthless vendetta sabotaging Emma’s efforts to save the Portland center, the fires they spent the last four months facing are far from over.

As danger strikes, rifts emerge, and delays snowball, the unrelenting war between the past and future tests Emma’s convictions until she has no choice but to put her faith in the one thing she’s always doubted.

Will time once again steal the dreams she’s fought so hard to believe in, or will it finally teach her how to trust in a hope that remains unbroken?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This is the final book in this Unveiled series and I'm very, very happy to be at a conclusion and resolution for Emma and Riley.  The road to happiness has been long and hard for them both as they've grown, made choices, and fought to stay together.

In this book, even more real life problems face Emma and Riley.  I liked the feel of this book as Emma and Riley face more of the difficulties together instead of apart.  They became a better support to each other.   Riley has finally reached his limits with being far away.  He finally put his foot down and headed back to Emma so they could be there for each other.  I liked his determination to figure things out while together instead of apart.  Their relationship was the most important thing to him.  That is what changed the tides of the book for me.  That was the moment that Riley became a grown up to me.  He wasn't sacrificing his music career, he was just finding a way to make it work within his relationship with Emma.

I have enjoyed this series and the journey of Emma and Riley from the first meeting, through the bumps of their relationship and now to the end here, which is really just the beginning.  It's been a good ride, filled with emotion and real life drama.  I love that this series is clean- no swearing or sexual content beyond kissing.  It is now time to say goodbye to Emma and Riley but I do so with satisfaction and contentment.  :)

Light Unshaken (Unveiled #2) by Crystal Walton

It’s real. It has to be. Twenty-two-year-old college student Emma Matthews gained too much ground last year for it all to be a dream. She has an engagement ring on her finger to prove it. Not to mention an internship she’s made for.

After a summer of overcoming her fears, Emma can’t afford for the news she just received to shake her. Not when it might jeopardize her future with Riley. And not when the kids in downtown Portland are counting on her to keep the center’s doors open. With the added strain of a broken relationship and an unexpected friendship reminding her what’s at stake, what other choice does she have?

But as mounting danger compromises her safety, friction intensifies until the risk of keeping her promise threatens all she’s fought to believe. Caught in a moment when every light in her life goes out, Emma must find the courage to lead her heart no matter what it costs her.

Falling in love is as easy as falling asleep. Holding on to that love is like trying to hold on to a dream. Even when it feels more real than life. Join Emma in this inspiring story about real love, costly choices, and the courage to fight for what you believe in.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Not long ago I reviewed the first book in this series, Eyes Unveiled.  (You can read my review HERE.)  Light Unshaken is the second book in this series and I would really recommend reading Eyes Unveiled before starting this book.  The emotional back history is something you need to understand.

What I love about this series is the emotional pull it has.  I am drawn into Emma's world and I see and feel things with her.  Emma is a character people can relate to- her emotions, her desire to make a difference, her vulnerability, and even her mistakes.  

Emma and Riley are engaged in this book and fully in love but then Riley is made an offer he cannot refuse and suddenly they are worlds apart and fighting for the love they thought was so strong.  Emma feels far away and left out of Riley's busy world.  She fights loneliness and doubt.  Emma keeps herself busy though and tries not to wallow.  She has a goal, a place and people that need her.  She wants to make a difference but it is hard work and the danger that surrounds her seems to be escalating.  The emotions are high in this book for sure.

Falling in love is easy to do.  Staying in love and fighting for that love when things get hard is something else entirely.  I enjoyed this book and I read through it quickly.  It has a fantastic forward momentum with that emotional pull that I love when reading.  This book left off in a place that surely cannot be the end so I am assuming that means another book is to come.  I hope.  :)

Content:  Clean

Eyes Unveiled by Crystal Walton

Twenty-one-year-old Emma Matthews lost the song in her heart the same night she lost her dad. With an unfulfilled promise and an ultimatum shadowing her junior year of college, maybe it’s better that way. You can’t hurt if you can’t feel.

But when the reflection she sees in musician Riley Preston’s eyes borders dangerously close to the one she’s spent the last five years searching for, Emma discovers her walls can’t guard her heart from its fiercest desire. Terrified of what she’s experiencing, and even more afraid of what she might lose, Emma grapples for the courage to hold on to one dream without abandoning the promise of another.

Contemporary Inspirational Romance novel Eyes Unveiled lets you relive those heartfelt moments when you don’t know how you’d survive a day without your best friend, when you’re trying to figure out who you are and what you’re supposed to do with your life, and when falling in love changes everything.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

If you are looking for a book that is emotionally driven, this is your book.  I went through a whole array of emotions while reading this book.  This is a story about self-discovery, friendships and love.

I loved the immediate interest and attraction Emma had when she saw and heard Riley sing.  He spoke to her soul and I loved that.  Riley and Emma share a connection through music but they develop a friendship that expands beyond just music.

Emma was an easy character to relate to.  She seemed very human although maybe just a titch naive.  She doesn't ever expect the worst of people.  Emma has good friends and a good relationship with her brother.  I liked that support system for Emma.  It was good to see Emma grow and strengthen throughout the book.  Her struggles made her stronger.

There is a huge love triangle in this book and love triangles aren't my favorite, but I know they do happen in life and I can accept that.  The resolution of the triangle in this book seemed a bit unrealistic to me though.  

Overall, I enjoyed this book.  It was clean (no swearing or sexual content) and I'm always grateful for that.  I hear the next book in the series is coming out in July so I'll be looking forward to that.