Wyoming Wild Sarah M. Eden

 

Wyoming Territory, 1876

US Marshal John “Hawk” Hawking is one of the most respected lawmen in the West, so when a telegram arrives from the small town of Sand Creek warning him of a death threat against him, he immediately begins an investigation.

Posing as a farmer, Hawk heads to Sand Creek, a town ruled by a violent and corrupt sheriff. Only one person is trying to stop him—Liesl, the sheriff’s own daughter. When she meets the self-assured and attractive new farmer, John, she hopes he might help her in the fight for justice.

John is completely unfazed by Sheriff Hodges’s attempts at intimidation, and Liesl is quickly swept up by Hawk’s courage and integrity. Just as quickly, Hawk finds himself falling for Liesl’s strength and bravery, as well as her grace and beauty.

When Liesl discovers John’s true identity, she feels betrayed. Despite her lingering distrust of him, Liesl agrees to work with him to enact a dangerous plan that will put the criminals away forever. Liesl must put her life, and her heart, in the hands of his lawman if she has any hope of saving her family and her town.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * Deseret Book *

It was so good to return to Savage Wells and see some old friends again.  Western romances are a fun change of pace for me so I was excited to delve into this one.  I read through it quickly and really enjoyed myself!

I think Liesl is my favorite.  The beginning finds her aiding the people of her town who are being hurt and tortured by her father who is the sheriff.  She is smart and brave.  I loved how hard she tried to protect people at the risk of her own well being.  Then she reluctantly joins forces with John to take her father down.  It's quite the bumpy road with more sneaking, pretending to be married and hiding out in a new town.  Liesl just handles everything with so much dignity and grace.  She is intuitive and definitely gives more than she takes.  What's not to love about that kind of heroine?!

Hawk finally find someone to love and trust.  That's saying a lot.  It was a longer road to get to that place than Liesl, mostly because he denies it for so long but he gets there.  I love his fierce determination to protect people and bring peace to his territory.

Welcome to the rough and wild west.  They say "ain't" and lots of other words that might have you scratching your head.  Horse rides, shoot outs and plenty of bad guys that will have you rooting for the good guys.

Content:  mild peril, violence, kissing.

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

 

Long Time Gone (The Cimarron Legacy #2) by Mary Connealy

The Boden clan thought their troubles were over with the death of a dangerous enemy. But with new evidence on Cole's shooting, Justin can't deny that the plot to take their ranch was bigger than one man. While the doctor and his distractingly pretty assistant help Cole, Justin has to uncover the trail of a decades-old secret as danger closes in.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

I love reading Mary Connealy books.  The western setting, the rough cowboy heroes, the strong sense of loyalty and family all wrap together to make for a fantastic adventure.

This is the second book of this series and you really need to read these books in order.  There is an ongoing plot of mystery and danger that begins in the first book and continues on here.  It took me a quick minute to remember the last book and how everything ended there.  This book picks up right where the last book leaves off.  All the same characters from the first book are here, but the focus has shifted to someone else.

I don't think this was my favorite book of Mary Connealy's, but it was still good.  I had a hard time feeling really connected to Justin but I liked him.  Angie was a lot of fun and I liked her ability to stay calm and smart in stressful and anxious situations.  It's easy to get wrapped up in this story given the many elements that are continually humming.  Good writing, good plot.  I'm anxious to see how this story continues to play out and eventually resolves.

Content:  some mild violence

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.  A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

The Outlaw's Secret by Stacy Henrie + $25 and Book Giveaway!

The Outlaw's Secret

by Stacy Henrie
Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
February 7th 2017 by Love Inspired Historical

Lawman in Disguise

Getting taken hostage by a gang of train robbers wasn't in dime novelist Essie Vanderfair's plans, but interviewing these men could make her career soar. Especially since the gang includes legendary outlaw Tex Beckett, better known as the Texas Titan. Tex is famed for his protection of women and children, so she'll be fine…right?

Keeping the gang in line was hard enough before a stubborn, beautiful writer interfered. Now Tex is scrambling to keep Essie safe, to gather evidence against the gang and most of all to hide his dangerous secrets. First, that he's a detective working undercover. And second, that he's not the Texas Titan at all, but Tex's twin brother, Tate Beckett.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository│Harlequin

There is just something about the old west and rough, strong men with a strong sense of chivalry.  It's pure yummy-ness.  This is a new book in the Harlequin Love Inspired Historical line- which means it's clean!  I love these books.

Tate Beckett is posing as his brother- a known outlaw- to try to capture a notorious gang of bandits.  Tate has taken it upon himself to right the wrongs of his brother and perhaps ease his guilt about why his brother left in the first place.  Tate has a strong sense of right and wrong and he is determined to do his job well.  He surely doesn't count on Miss Essie showing up and worming her way into his well laid plans or his heart.

Essie is full of spunk and joy.  I loved her sense of adventure and drive to succeed.  I also loved her self doubt and insecurities which made her human and real.  

This was such a fun adventure.  The story started off with a bang and took off from there.  I settled right in and enjoyed the ride!  

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids. You can learn more about Stacy and her books by visiting her website at stacyhenrie.com.

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Tour Schedule

February 1st: Launch

February 2nd:

Bookworm Lisa, Rockin' Book Reviews, Katie's Clean Book Collection & Hearts & Scribbles

February 3rd:

Reading Is My SuperPower, I Am A Reader & The Power of Words

February 6th:

Seasons of Humility & Kathleen Denly

February 7th:

Getting Your Read On & Wishful Endings

February 8th:

Mel's Shelves & Falling Leaves

February 9th:

Singing Librarian Books & Colorimetry

February 10th:

i blog 4 books & Zerina Blossom's Books

February 12th:

Tell Tale Book Reviews

February 13th:

Heidi Reads... & The Silver Dagger Scriptorium

February 14th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive print copies of LADY OUTLAW and THE EXPRESS RIDER'S LADY + $10 Amazon Gift Card (US only)
- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally)
- Ends February 18th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

Proper English governess Eleanor Morgan flees to the colonies to escape the wrath of a an angry duke. When the Charles Town family she’s to work for never arrives to collect her from the dock, she is forced to settle for the only reputable choice remaining to her—marriage to a man she’s never met. Trapper and tracker Samuel Heath is a hardened survivor used to getting his own way by brain or by brawn, and he’s determined to find a mother for his young daughter. But finding a wife proves to be impossible. No upstanding woman wants to marry a murderer.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

There was so much to love about this book!  

First there are the characters, Eleanor and Samuel.  At first I wasn't sure about either of them but as the story went on, I grew to love them.  They are so very different from each other but I love the whole opposites attract thing.  :)  Both have so much determination though, and it shows in everything that they do.  Samuel comes off so gruff and mean in the beginning.  I didn't figure there was any way I was going to love him but he grew on me and even though he was a bit caveman-ish with a severe communication problem, I found myself liking him.  In the end.

I loved the various settings and challenges this story brought.  It was full on western frontier hardships from fire and outlaws to bears and the Indian relations of that time.  Throw in some crazy men with vendettas, a jealous woman and an active toddler and there is never a dull moment.

It took me a bit to actually get into this book because it started out slow but once things started to pick up, I was fully invested and interested.  I enjoyed this one!

Content:  Clean, some mild violence, Christian fiction (although nothing overly preachy)

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

For This We Are Soldiers: Tales of the Frontier Army by Carla Kelly

From master storyteller Carla Kelly comes this collection of frontier tales that take you behind typical army lines and into the hearts of ordinary men and women who perform extraordinary acts of bravery. From handsome hospital stewards and dashing soldiers to courageous children and wives who will pull at your heartstrings, there’s something for everyone’s fancy.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * 

I always enjoy books by Carla Kelly.  This book was a bit different than her usual stand alone novel in that it contained a collection of short stories.  All the stories revolve around people of the army of the frontier.  One thing I love about Carla Kelly is that her books always feel authentic to the time and place she is writing about.  She maintains a fantastic balance of grit and gentleness that resonates with me as a reader.

Each story in this book has something in it that will tug at your heart.  Life in the army isn't an easy one and these stories bring that to the front but they also show that love and compassion thrived there too.  

Historical fiction like this is one of my favorite genres because it reminds me how much I have to be grateful for and how many people have gone before me to make that possible.  If you love historical fiction and especially those set in the western frontier, you should give this book a try.  

Content:  Clean

--I received this book from the publisher. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden

He's the most fearsome sheriff in the West. A force to be reckoned with. The stuff of legend.

So is she. . . . May the best sheriff win.

Paisley Bell knows the eccentric people of Savage Wells. From the absentminded shopkeeper who always thinks she's been robbed to the young man who has returned shell-shocked from the war, Paisley has compassion for them all. When the sheriff up and leaves town, Paisley steps up and assumes the responsibility, partly because she loves the work, but also because she needs the income to take care of her sick father. So when the town council decides that the position of sheriff should really go to a man, Paisley finds herself fighting to prove that she's the perfect candidate for the job, even though she wears a skirt.

Cade O'Brien is heartily sick of shooting people. In his many years as a lawman, Cade has seen his share of blood and violence. So when he answers an advertisement for a sheriff job in the sleepy town of Savage Wells, he believes he's found the peace and quiet he's always desired. But when he discovers that his biggest competition for the job is a woman, he begins to question his decisions.

Tension between the two begins to sizzle when both Cade and Paisley realize the attraction they have for each other, but when Paisley's former beau shows up in town, along with a band of bank robbers, the blossoming relationship between the two sheriffs is tested. They will have to work together to thwart the bank robbers and keep the town safe.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

All I have to hear is "Sarah Eden" and I'm in.  I don't care what genre it is, or how long the book is.  I'm in.  Sarah is a fantastic writer.  She knows how to create characters that feel natural and real, and places that feel like home.

This book steps outside what I have had from Sarah Eden so far but like I said before, it doesn't matter.  Sarah can write any genre and be fantastic.  This book is set in Wyoming in the small and simple town of Savage Wells.  There were a lot of characters in this book but not once did I feel overwhelmed by them.  It felt more like meeting them myself and each character added to the overall feel of community in the book.

Cade and Paisley were both fantastic characters.  They complimented each other perfectly even though they don't realize it at first.  I love how determined Paisley was to prove herself equal as a woman.  She was so good at standing up for what she thought was fair and right while being kind and so considerate of others along the way.  She took the time to really know and understand the people around her.  And Cade?  The man of all men because he let Paisley be who she wanted to be.  He gave her support and encouragement where there was so little of that in Paisley's life.  But the best thing about Cade?  He listened to other people who knew more and took that information in to make himself better.  Smart man right there.

There were some harder issues surrounding these two but it never bogged down the lighter feel of things.  The banter between Cade and Paisley is so fun.  The sparks fly all over the place!  I just really loved this book.  It was so easy to settle in with and I enjoyed every minute I had in Savage Wells with Cade and Paisley.

Content:  Clean

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

Second Chance Ranch by Liz Isaacson

A new Christian western romance from bestselling author, Elana Johnson, writing as Liz Isaacson for her contemporary adult romance debut.

After his deployment, injured and discharged Major Squire Ackerman returns to Three Rivers Ranch, anxious to prove himself capable of running the cattle operation so his parents can retire. Things would be easier if the ranch wasn’t missing 1.6 million dollars, which forces Squire to hire Kelly, the girl who rejected his high school prom invitation, as his accountant.

She’s back in town with her four-year-old son, living in her parent’s basement until she can get her life back together. With fresh ink on her divorce papers and open gashes on her heart, she’s not ready for much beyond her new job on the ranch.

Squire wants to forgive Kelly for ignoring him a decade ago. He’d like to provide the stable life she needs, but with old wounds opening and a ranch on the brink of financial collapse, it will take patience and faith to make their second chance possible.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

It's always fun when authors delve into a new genre and write something outside of what is typical for them.  Especially when they do it successfully and I think Elana Johnson (writing as Liz Isaacson) has done very well for her debut contemporary adult romance novel.

I always love a good western with horses and cowboys.  Squire is also military so that brings a few added elements into the mix.  On top of that, it's a second chance love because Kelly and Squire have known each other a long time and Squire kind of carries a torch for Kelly from high school.  There is a bit of a mystery surrounding some missing money on the ranch and Kelly has been hired to find it.  There is even a cute kid and a puppy!  What more could you ask for in a good love story?

Squire and Kelly have some great chemistry that really came through in the story.  I enjoyed their interactions and their conversations.  Even though they both fight it, that attraction could not be dismissed.

Overall and great romantic story!  I settled in and read through it quickly.  I'm looking forward to more in this genre from this author.

Content:  Clean.  No swearing or sexual content.  Christian fiction.

Sealed with a Kiss (Inspy Kisses, #2) by Janet Tronstad, Margaret Daley, Camy Tang and Lacy Williams

A new anthology from some of your favorite inspirational authors--no reprints here! 
Enjoy this collection of love stories with a theme of "love letters". The SEALED WITH A KISS anthology includes: 
    
From USA TODAY and Publisher's Weekly Bestselling Author Janet Tronstad comes a new historical romance Mail-Order Sunshine Bride 
When mail-order bride, Eleanor O’Reilly, arrives in the Montana Territory the only one on the railway platform to greet her is a dangerous-looking man who claims to be the sheriff. Where is her intended husband? Janet Tronstad delights readers with another of her popular mail-order bride stories. 
    
From #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Margaret Daley comes a new romance suspense Deadly Intent   
Texas Ranger Sarah Osborn is sent to investigate the kidnapping of a prize stallion from the Shamrock Ranch, owned by Ian O’Leary, an ex-FBI agent and Sarah’s high school sweetheart. Someone from Ian’s past has a grudge against him and intends to make him suffer. Can Sarah help Ian find who wants him dead? 
    
From award-winning author Camy Tang comes a new romantic suspense Unshakeable Pursuit   
A mysterious young woman warns Dr. Geoffrey Whelan and nurse Maylin Kinley that they are in mortal danger, and then two Asian hit men attack them at the children’s clinic where they work. Geoffrey and Maylin run for their lives, determined to figure out who is after them and why. When they discover the threat is connected to a young teenager whose life they saved, they must race to stop the person who wants them dead—before everyone they care about is caught in the crossfire. 
    
From fan favorite Lacy Williams comes a new contemporary western romance With Love, Cowboy   
When the love of his life is injured in combat, Ryan Michaels promises himself he won't let any more time go by without declaring his love. Veteran Ashley Reynolds returns home a changed woman, but is she ready to see the truth about the cowboy she left behind? 

I have to say that I sure do love this growing trend of bundled ebooks, both full length and novella size, by various authors.  It gives variety at an awesome price and you get to  know authors that you maybe haven't read yet.  In this collection, you also get some different genres of romance.  The first is old west, followed by two that have more suspense.  The last is a contemporary western.  It's fun to have that change up.

This was a fantastic novella collection.  I loved settling in with these stories.  They were the perfect sweet, clean romance stories for me.  And, if I had to pull out a favorite, it was With Love, Cowboy.  I fell in love with Ryan.  Who wouldn't?!  That guy is perfection.

These novellas are the perfect bite size reads.  If you don't have much time or you just want a quick romantic fix, try these out, one at a time.  Or, if you are more like me, you can read them all, straight through.  Read = Devour  

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Tried and True by Mary Connealy

Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!

Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister—and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It’s a risk—they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as “boys”—but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.

Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?

Mary Connealy knows how to write clean western romances.  I love reading her books.  

The characters in this book are so well done.  I felt like I knew them and everything played out just like a movie in my head.  The beginning chapter with the roof scene when on too long and I was really glad when things finally got moving but from there on out, it was the perfect distracting read.

I love Kylie.  It was so nice to read about a girl who really just wanted to be a girl- completely feminine with pretty dresses.  So many books today have tough girl characters who can take anyone down.  Don't get me wrong, because I do like that too, but it was just refreshing to read a book about a girl who isn't so concerned about how tough she is.  Kylie wants a home where she cooks and cleans and takes care of a family.  She doesn't want to do "man chores".  She wants to be taken care of by a big, strong man.  It was kind of funny sometimes but endearing too.  Because Kylie spent a lot of time posing as a boy in order to serve in the army during the civil war, she is desperate to put that behind her and look and act like a girl again.  Can you blame her?  

She finds the perfect man in Aaron because all he wants to do is protect and love Kylie.  He wants to do all the "man chores".  See what I mean?  Perfect for Kylie.  

This is what I would call inspirational fiction.  God is mentioned and sometimes talked about but not in an overbearing or overly religious way.  This book is squeaky clean- yay!  I'm looking forward to the next books in this series.  This book set up the stories for the sisters perfectly and now I'm anxious to get reading them!

* Amazon * Goodreads *

Four Weddings and a Kiss: A Western Bride Collection

In 1885 five western preachers sit around a campfire talking about unlikely couples they've seen God bring together.

“Spitfire Sweetheart” by Mary Connealy

Maizy MacGregor's reckless ways injured rancher Rylan Carstens, endangering his livelihood. So she signs on as his caregiver--but just until he's well enough to run his ranch. Maizy's tender care soon has Rylan falling hard and fast. Can these two willful souls give up their solitary ways to embrace love?

“A Love Letter to the Editor” by Robin Lee Hatcher

Molly Everton writes the most popular features in her town's newspaper. When newcomer Jack Ludgrove is named the new editor, Molly is flabbergasted. She wants the position for herself and will do what it takes to get it. But Jack is not easily intimidated. He’s determined to change Molly's mind about him--and win her heart too.

“A Cowboy for Katie” by Debra Clopton

After the tornado, Katie Pearl must rebuild her ranch. But she can't do it on her own. Treb Rayburn is a cowboy with a serious case of wanderlust. He signs on to help Katie so he can afford a new horse. But once Treb gets to know Katie, will his desire to stay drown the call of the open road?

“Courting Trouble” by Margaret Brownley

Grace Davenport is a young widow in a heap of trouble. When her son asks attorney Brock Daniels to take on her case, Brock plans to say no. But then he meets the lovely Grace. As Brock and the boy work to free Grace, Brock discovers that her arrest may be the best thing that's ever happened to him.

This book has been on my radar for awhile now.  I've been seeing and hearing good things about it and I decided it was time for me to get my hands on a copy and get reading!  :)  What attracted me to this book was first, the authors who I know are talented and write good, clean romance.  Second, I was attracted to the old western setting.  I'm a sucker for a good western romance.

The book begins with a prologue.  A group of ministers sit around the fire one night after a retreat of sorts.  One of the ministers, a young guy just starting out, is bemoaning the fact that the girl he loves is the wrong kind of girl for him.  He is convinced that she doesn't fit the mold of a preacher's wife.  The older, wiser gentlemen of the group begin to share stories of some of the most unlikely of match's they have known.

Each novella is told by a different author.  The stories are individual and not interconnected in any way.  They each have their own style.  Honestly, I really loved them all.  I thought they were well done and each one made me smile.  Sometimes with novella length stories you end feeling like you just didn't get enough of the story but with these, I felt like I knew the characters.  There was good development and the happily ever after resolutions that I am always craving.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley who made it possible for me to read this book.

You can pick up your own copy of "Four Weddings and a Kiss" at Amazon.

Peace River by Jaclyn M. Hawkes

The police didn't understand the danger, but she did. Her father had always been abusive, but now, with a ten million dollar Thoroughbred farm on the line, and a powerful bookie leaning on him, her father had become out of control. But how do you get away and take a world famous stallion with you? Carrie was getting desperate when a handsome and honorable but thoroughly cynical rodeo cowboy from Wyoming happened to show up with a horse trailer. He didn't ride a white horse, but he was definitely a knight in shining armor.

He'll protect her from the mob, but can she survive falling in love with a bull rider?

This isn't the first book I have read by this author, Jaclyn Hawkes but it is definitely my favorite.  I'm thinking it was the good western feel combined with two sexy, yet honorable men and that build up of romance.  Great combination there.

Carrie is a take control kind of girl.  She knows what she has to do and finds a way to do it.  I like Carrie's support group, the farm hands who help and also Carrie's friend at the restaurant.  Even though Carrie is a tough girl with courage, she needs help.  I liked that her vulnerable side came through as well.

I think I have some cowboy love in this book!  Slade is everything hero-ish.  Handsome, strong, kind, tough.  Yup, very nice.  Very, very nice.

The bad guys were bad, there was tension and suspense.  This book had all the makings of a good romantic western suspense.  And it's clean.  That makes me happy.

I got this book and read it way before I should have for this review.  I just couldn't help myself.  I knew it would be in my pleasure zone for reading and well, I wanted to read it.  I've had to wait a long time to actually post my review.  :)  I hear this is the first book in the Rockland Ranch series and I'll be looking forward to the following books!

My thanks to the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review this book.

You can pick up the print or e-book copy of this book on Amazon.