True Love Cowboy is the most recent release and the moment that it became aThis review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
[image]
True Love Cowboy is the most recent release and the moment that it became available I just knew that I had to pick it up and when I saw that it was on AnyPlay I just knew that it was one that I need to grab up and I haven't ever listened to this author in audio format, most of the time I get her ARC's but I decided to wait on this one here. And I was immediately pulled into the story after the first chapter. I will say that the first meeting between our two main protagonists isn't the most thrilling of meet-cutes, but it's a sweet scene and really sets the stage for their relationship. I am always impressed with this author and this story definitely pulled the type of emotion that always stuns me every time I pick her up.
True Love Cowboy is a story that features :
Jon Crawford-Entrepreneur, a single father, returning home to help his father and stabilize his family.
Trinity McGrath-Chef and a local business owner, dealing with PTSD, youngest sister of protective family
In this beloved story, we have two kind-hearted good people that have a solid attraction to each other, from their first meeting there is an attraction. Our heroine, Trinity, has been helping Jon's father get food but when she comes to deliver his meal, he is passed out on the floor and struggling to breathe and then Jon arrives on the scene, and then they take him to the hospital together. While Jon's father is in recovery, Trinity and Jon have a spark of attraction and find each other intriguing. Despite the fact that Jon has his ex and his daughter arriving soon, and Trinity suffering from panic attacks and flashbacks of her traumatic past, they are drawn to each other like bees to honey and forge ahead in a relationship. But Jon is driven and willing to do what it takes to care for his family even if his ex is toxic and manipulative, but feels he has no other option when she has primary custody over their daughter. But as tensions rise with him and his ex, the romance between this sweet good woman is worth fighting for, but he never imagined that the love of his life would be put in danger so close to home and will he be able to save those he loves or lose it all?
True Love Cowboy was a brilliant read and despite its imperfections, I truly had so many delights in reading this one. I am always so stunned at how this author truly writes her books. I fell so quickly for this couple, and honestly, this was a book I literally relaxed on the couch with just so I could listen to it more. Not all of Jennifer Ryan's books have stunned me but this one truly did. I never expected to experience the surge of emotion that this book evoked in me but only a few authors can have me sobbing through this and it certainly did. I had so many shock moments and I think if I had been listening to this in public, I think I would have been sent to the mental institution that is right down the road haha Its a story that just broke my heart but unfortunately I can see these type of cases being pretty common in many factors. I did like seeing the focus of how hard it can be for fathers that are unable to get primary custody of the children especially when the other party is manipulative in most situations and has money and power behind her and also how society and the law even tends to cater more towards mothers than fathers in many cases. Just seeing this man's heartache over his daughter was so heartwrenching. BUT I will say he did drive me nuts sometimes. In the beginning of the story he acts so blind to many of her actions thinking she will be better but when you see that she does the same habits previously, you would think he would have come to the truth of it. And it took real neglect and abuse of his daughter for him to actually act. I understand he was in a bad spot with little power here, but I feel like he could have done more. I do respect that the author took us there though and really showed the human side of these issues in such a relatable human way.
I truly adored this book though and it was such an honest good romance that I wanted to cheer to. Jon and Trinity have such a beautiful relationship and I loved seeing it blossom and so many positive elements enter their relationship. I love seeing how they lift and encourage each other, always fight for each other, and never lose faith in one another. It's an element that tends to go missing from romance at times, and I truly respect that this author went there for this pairing. Then we another element that added such sweetness and charm to the story....Jon's little girl "Emma" She was so darling and added the perfect cherry on the top for this book. You just want to cherish this little child and I couldn't get enough of seeing her in this book. I just love seeing children portrayed in romance when it's in this manner, and Jennifer Ryan really handled it so well.
Overall I found True Love Cowboy to be a stunning delight that delivered in the solid plot, touch your heart characters, and tear-jerking moments that will overcome its readers in the most real and vivid ways.
The Scoundrel's Heart is a story that I have been highly intrigued by and iThis review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
[image]
The Scoundrel's Heart is a story that I have been highly intrigued by and it was on the top of my list of the top releases that came out this past week that I wanted to get to but it was a book that took me a bit longer to get through. I will admit that the beginning does start slow, maybe if it hadn't been an audiobook it might have gone by faster, but I really wanted to listen to this one since it was available in the AnyPlay subscription that I have. I have always been impressed by Anne Gracie, and she writes such authentic regency tales, and you can really tell that she does her research and I respect that especially in the face of the evolvement of historical romance currently.
The Scoundrel's Heart features two main couples:
Alice (Lady Charleton)-a widow, destitute, blackmailed and James, Lord Tarrant-military officer retired, single father of three daughters and widower -Mature Pairing
Lucy and Gerald-Younger Pairing -Lucy a scoundrel's daughter, a goose girl, but trained in the arts of a lady. Gerald-Young lord and nephew to Alice, Lady Charleton
The Scoundrel's Heart begins with Alice. She is a widow and is in her late thirties. She is confronted by a man who holds letters from her late husband to his mistress, scandalous ones that demean Alice in the worst of ways. He threatens her that if she won't get his daughter a titled lord for a husband, he will send them to be printed and the whole Ton would know of the reality of her marriage and what her husband thought of her. So Alice agrees, knowing she has no other choice. When she meets Lucy, she sees a girl that is completely withdrawn, bitter and angry. But soon Alice is able with her warm demeanor and kind heart, to bring Lucy out of her shell and they make a pact and build a friendship. As Alice shows Lucy around to the Ton, she knows that Lucy doesn't want a titled lord but neither of them have a choice right now of their circumstances. Lucy and the nephew of Alice, Gerald, have some entangled bantering. On the surface they don't care for each other, but underneath their bantering is a passion they are holding back from each other. Gerald is aware he will have to be crafty and cunning to capture Lucy's heart. He is determined to turn that animosity into love. But while Lucy and Gerald are working through their issues, so are Alice and James. James is a single father now, having lost his wife while he was away at war. And now he is claiming his children and he is drawn to Alice. But to dig into her secrets, he will have to show he is trustworthy and that he wants her more than just to be his mistress....that he wants to show her passion yes but also what love between a man and a woman can truly become.
The Scoundrel's Heart is a story that features two couples and at first, I was reluctant and I almost walked away from the book because I really have to know this beforehand and to just walk blindly in the book (why oh why I didn't read reviews for it before reading/listening I have no clue) but I chugged through it and then it CLICKED. After that, I was so addicted to this book and I honestly couldn't put it down. I had so much fun with this one and seeing these two couples find their way together. It definitely starts with a rocky beginning for them, but through some alliances that are made, and some fun antics with three little girls and an obsession over cats....these alliances turn into affairs of the heart. I was really drawn into the humor and sweet tones of this book. Now, this is what I love my regency to be. I wanted to take a break from historical's for a bit, but nope now I have a more burning need to read more of the genre and I thank Anne Gracie for firing me up in her novel. This was exactly what I needed. Her writing can sometimes be a hit or miss for me, however, this book turned out to be a beautiful yet charming read.
I will admit that I was supremely nervous at first with the two couples, but I found that it was really well balanced throughout the story. I was so intrigued in seeing how it would play out, especially the blackmail portion of the plot and it does turn out so well. What I really love about Anne Gracie's style of writing, is that it may start out slow and rocky but once it builds momentum, then you are hooked into it and you don't want to let go of the story. If it hadn't been for the slow beginning, then I would have rating this a five blossom rating.
Overall I found The Scoundrel's Daughter to be stunning, authentically historic, realistically portrayed in the culture f the Regency era, and a romance that fit my mood in such a perfect way. It's a story that will captivate the hearts of its reader with each page and touch the soul with its strength and sweetness.
Neon Gods is a book I read thanks to a few people that really made me want to grab this one up. In fact, I wanted to read it in print so badly I traveNeon Gods is a book I read thanks to a few people that really made me want to grab this one up. In fact, I wanted to read it in print so badly I traveled a bit just to grab it up because I was so impatient to wait on it and boy it was worth it. If you can read this in its paperback form, I recommend it highly. Neon Gods is a story I was quickly drawn to and it's a book I know that you will fall quickly for. Its honestly quite different than what I was expecting to see from this author, especially in some of he more recent series, it was lighter-toned in certain aspects but heavier toned in others. And I found seeing this book, it just is evidence of how this author is capable of any style, no matter what she writes you can be guaranteed a ride worth indulging on.
Neon Gods is a story that begins with Persephone, who is one of the daughters whose mother has political endeavors to move up the ladder among the Olympus realm. But when her mother forces an engagement on her to Zeus who is rumored to have killed three of his wives, she runs in a panic. She is so close to freedom and refuses to be drawn into this political mess and risk losing her life so she goes on the run, but when she is being chased by Zeus men, she runs across the river Styxx and straight into the arms and territory of Hades who is Zeus enemy. Hades has his own reasons for wanting revenge against Zeus. So Hades and Persephone make a pact with each other, to suit their own purposes but along with their pact is a stunning chemistry between them that rises along with their agreement. As they explore the depths of their connection, while also showing up their fake reality to the members of the thirteen, including Zeus and her mother, Hades and Persephone find a bond that is worth fighting for
Neon Gods was such a fantastic read, and while it didn't rank up as a top favorite, I had a blast with this book through and through. It's pretty interesting to see how Katee Robert developed this world and most especially this Hades and Persephone retelling. I love these types of retellings and we just don't get enough of them in my opinion. But the way that Katee Robert built this world was superb in every way. Now if you have read her Wicked Villains series, then this type of retelling and world-building will not be a shock to you at all. But those not used to this type of world crafting might be a little confused at times because it's a unique twist on it that isn't done by many authors who delve into mythological fantasy. Another aspect of this story some readers might need to adapt to is the use of exhibitionism in this story. This is very rare in romance, even in erotic romance, it's not used that much. So to see Katee Robert use in and adapt it so well that seems to flow just right for the story and the depth of the relationship that builds between Hades and Persephone is brilliant.
Another added delight was the stream of side characters and side plot lines that just has me curious where Katee Robert will be taking the series. I am also excited to see that one of my favorite publishers is taking this series and supporting it, and man what a beautiful job they have done on the covers so far.
Overall I found Neon Gods to be a stunning foray into this marvelous and most well-loved tale of Hades and Persephone, Katee Robert delivers a beautiful fake relationship set up that builds into a deep rivaling romance that connects the essence of the fairy tale to the depths of emotion that only she is capable of. A REMARKABLE WORK!...more
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
[image]
Archangel's Light is one of the most anticipated books of the year and to be honest probably the top of my list for the year of books I couldn't wait to get to, and this is Illium and Aodhan's story and so like many of you who are fans of the series know of the anticipation we have all seen built throughout the series involving these two. Their romance has been building and teased throughout each book and I have been waiting on hands and knees in thrilling eagerness for their story and to finally have read their book....this is PURE GOLD of Singh. I don't think I have seen such a beautiful story that she has ever written. I had wondered if when she finally wrote it if it were to meet up to expectation and I can tell you all it did and you have so much goodness to look forward to in this story that will have you laugh, have you wrecked in emotion and will kill you with the poignancy of it all.
Archangel's Light is a epic love installment of the Guild Hunter series which features:
Illium--Angel with blue wings, lively, jovial and has a charm and is easy to be friends with and destined for Archangel status.
Aodhan-Angel that is silver and gold and sparkles in the light, serious and more introverted but loyal to a fault
Archangel's Light starts off with one of our main characters, Aodhan, who has headed over to China to act as second to the new Archangel, Suyin. Aodhan is still healing from his time being held captive and tortured and still is recovering from the acts done to him. While justice was served he has never fully recovered and gone back to the Aodhan of old and Illium wonders if his friend will ever be the same again and wonders if has lost him forever. Aodhan and Illium grew up together, sparking a friendship that stands the test of eons of time, its a friendship that is eternal and would fortify these two souls for as long as they lived and would touch the hearts of so many that knew them. While they are both so different from each other in their personalities, they would fight and defend and protect and stand for each other no matter the cost to themselves and have done so. But their relationship has taken a hit of recent years, and now they will both have to face up to the past, their own reservations and learn to let go of their pride in order to come to terms with their present and find a way to be together or have to forge their way apart from one another? But will Aodhan and Illium find their path together or turn down different roads for their future?
The last thing Aodhan felt before sleep sucked him under were Illium's fingers stroking through his hair, a tender caress that was wanted, was beloved.
Archangel's Light is one of those books that you know in your heart you will come to love and to be honest I didn't even glance at the blurb before reading this one here. THAT is how much I trust this author to lead me in the right direction and how much faith I have in her writing. She is an author that I have come to know in that her writing style will work for me, and it doesn't matter what she writes, I am willing to go through the pain and intensity to get to the good stuff, to see all the layers peeled away and to the heart of the story that makes the journey worth it and you can bet that Nalini Singh makes the trek through it all the way worthwhile. This BOOK had me all over the place with my emotions and I am so grateful that I can trust in this author to lead me right. It does contain some factors that I do wish to convey to other readers.
Then he kissed him. Kissed him hard and deep, his hand fisted in the silken blue tipped black of his hair and his wings wrapped around him. Kissed him until Illium groaned and grabbed fistfulls of the back of his shirt. Pushing his back up against a tree, Aodham braced one arm over Illium's head while spreadhing his wings to block out the night and he kept on kissing him. It should've been awkward, new, but it wasn't. It was the most perfect kiss in all his existence. Because....it was Illium.
First, it does have flashback moments. Now those who know my reading vibe, KNOW that flashbacks aren't my favorite, in fact, they can distract me from the story and in most cases will affect my rating of the review. But to be honest, even though this relationship has been teased for years, we actually don't know that much about Illium and Aodhan's story and the depths of their relationship and its beginning start. Nalini Singh gives this to us. In this story, you will have exchanging chapters of the past and then of the present. I actually didn't mind it because in these chapters she doesn't leave you hanging on cliffhangers until the next phase of chapters so I was grateful for that. The second element is that this doesn't have much in heat. It does have some moments, but to be honest, they don't even kiss till later in the story, so if you want lots of sexual heat, you aren't going to find it in this one here. I feel like as romance readers we all have various expectations and considering how much heat this author tends to always have in her books, I feel like this needs to be something you should be aware of.
You and that heart of yours really need a damn keeper. Do I hear you volunteering? No. I'm not volunteering. The position is already mine.
The story itself is quite a beautiful story and has many facets to it. It won't be exactly what you suspect it to be. We get plenty of focus on China and what is happening following the aftermath of Lijuan’s reign and how the territory is crippled and all of its people damaged in some form or another. This is not going to be an easy transition to being a healthy thriving society once again. But Aodhan is determined to help Lijuan's cousin, Sunyin takes control and brings back prosperity to the territory once again. But there is something stirring in the country, and it will be up to Aodhan and Illium to discover what it is and bring a stop to it, but on their journey of connecting once again, finding their way together through their relationship, they will be met with something they never imagined, a secret kept hidden away, one that could destroy all they have gained since the destruction of Lijuan. The romance that we see between Aodhan and Illium will NOT be what everyone will expect it to be but in the end will be perfect for these two. There are so many depths that are explored in their relationship and seeing them come together, finding transparency in their connection, and rebuilding those bonds was such an intricate beauty to be showcased. Nalini Singh really worked her magic with this one, and it will take your breath away from what you see with Aodhan and Illium.
Side Note: there is some moments we see of Rafael and his dealings with these two and my HEART just about exploded with love for this character even more than previous. Seeing his devotion and love to these men was so epic and breathtaking, It just tore me apart to see how much he cared and sacrificed for them.
You must understand- for Aodhan, the Seven and Raphael are family, the bonds between them far beyond blood and bone. It is a thing elemental.
Overall I found Archangel's Light to be a romance that shines a light on a love story that will touch the heart of every reader that delves into it. It won't be an easy journey, but it's one that will guide the reader to a majestic love story of sacrifice, devotion, healing, and the power of love in the darkest of moments. We see a history of friendship and male love that will take you to the stars and back in its inherent beauty. A romance that is a GOLD STAR of a read and I feel like this is just the beginning in their journey into....FOREVER.
Aodhan moved close enough to take Illium's chin in his hand, tug gently until his best friend in the world would look at him again. The gold shone with a sheen of wet, the same emotion rocks in Aodhan's throat. "Always, Blue" he said, his voice husky "Me and you? We're always."
First Impressions The Duchess Hunt is a story that I was highly anticipating so much. In the previous book, “Scoundrel of My Heart” really built up theFirst Impressions The Duchess Hunt is a story that I was highly anticipating so much. In the previous book, “Scoundrel of My Heart” really built up the focus of the hero for this book. By the end of Scoundrel of My Heart you just want him to find his happy ever after. So I was so excited to delve into this book and get his story. It has a mix of unrequited love, forbidden love, class difference, and Boss and Secretary tropes. So pretty much some of my favorite tropes to read in romance but most especially a historical romance. I was really intrigued with the setup of the story and seeing the slow-built chemistry that is developed between Hugh and Penelope. I knew from the first chapter that this book would be rough on the emotions as we see how much Penelope has fallen for Hugh and he is kinda blind to it for quite a while. But I was also intrigued to see how this would work out for them. It definitely had the depths that you have come to expect from Lorraine Heath but it was a slow-paced read which I wasn’t expecting especially after the first book “Scoundrel of My Heart” kept me on my toes. So be aware before moving forward.
Summary Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, is looking for a duchess. After what happened the last time, he is going to make sure he finds his duchess and someone that will fit the role perfectly and won’t get emotionally attached as his pride was hurt losing the woman he started to care for to another. He puts his secretary in charge of finding his duchess and will make his decision on the night of the ball he has in the plan for. Penelope is determined to find the perfect wife for Hugh, she may have been loving him from afar but if she is anything, she is efficient at her job and will prove herself to Hugh despite having secret yearnings for his touch and his heart. Hugh starts to take interest in Penelope but as the chemistry builds slowly between High and Penelope, there is a threat to them both. Someone that knows a secret and will blackmail them with it. As both High and Penelope have secrets in their past they would rather stay hidden, they aren’t ready for what is to come or the hidden desires that erupt between them. Will Hugh find that the love of his heart has been by his side this whole time or forsake it all for the sake of keeping up the pretense of being a proper Duke?
What I Loved There was so many things to actually really enjoy about this book. The first I want to mention is the depth of the character growth. I just loved both Hugh and Penelope individually. They had such distinct personalities, and both are so efficient and capable at what they do which is also makes them a great team. They are so sync with each other and its pretty interesting to see how despite the practicality of their relationship in the past, there is something more deeper which is building between them. I did find that the this took some twists and turns I actually didn’t see coming. I do love how this author developed the plot in this book. It definitely keeps the interest of the reader to see where the story will take Hugh and Penelope. I was fascinated by how secretive they both are of their pasts, but especially Penelope. She is tight lipped about anything personal about herself. But when she starts to be more open with Hugh, this is were the relationship really takes its delightful turn into something deeper between them. I was intrigued b the complexity of their bond and seeing the intricate layers that form. Lorraine Heath has such a talent in developing these type of aspects within her stories and it really is evident within this one here.
What I Struggled With so I had ONE major issue with this book, and the pacing is just so SLOW! I am not sure if this is just me, but in some of her books especially her more recently published works, the writing just doesn’t engage me like her writing used to for me. I wanted so much to enjoy this one more because the romance was so delightful but it took me days to actually read this one, and i just wanted to get through it and I never like that feeling especially from a favorite author. After the first book, and being so engaged, I was expecting this book to completely blow me away, and the pacing really affected my true enjoyment of this one here, unfortunately.
Overall View The Duchess Hunt is a sweet softly built romance that develops a class difference romance into a complexity of emotion and passion that will curl your toes and leave you eager for more delicious treats from this author. You won’t be disappointed upon the reading of The Duchess Hunt....more
Shadow Storm is the most recent installment in the Shadow Riders series. Now I am unsure if the series is done or going to be continuing on (I am crosShadow Storm is the most recent installment in the Shadow Riders series. Now I am unsure if the series is done or going to be continuing on (I am crossing fingers that the author will be going more into this world because its one of my favorites that she has created) I think I can safely safe that any reader that has been invested in the series since its conception has been anticipating this story since "Shadow Rider" which is the first time we see this pairing and all that delicious angst and chemistry. (Warning to readers: There is some foray into child and human trafficking, so be warned beforehand upon reading this one)
Shadow Storm is a story that takes us to our beautiful and fierce heroine, Emmanuelle (Emme) who is being pushed by her mother into having an arranged marriage specifically with her best friend. But then when she gets a 911 message from Valentine's bodyguard, best friend and enforcer that he is introuble and needs her, she doesn't think or second guess, she rushes to his aid. Valentine (our hero)and his father and enforcer have been attacked and betrayed by some of their own and the Ferraro family comes to their aid and try to bring order to chaos and get down to the root of the child trafficking that is building within their people. But with this comes a reunion and reconciliation between Valentine and Emme. After a horrible misunderstanding and Valentine's need to protect the one woman he loves more than any other, there is a high tension between them but Valentine is determined to prove to Emme of his love and devotion. But Emme has been emotionally abused most of her life by her mother, and is stubborn and prideful at times. But as Emme and Valentine work out their issues, they see a future that won't be easy but how beautiful their bond truly is.
Shadow Storm is a story that I fell immediately for and I have to say that this one matches high with book one for me. (Shadow Rider is my favorite of the series) I simply fell in love with this one here, and couldn't seem to get enough. I actually tried to read this slowly or slower than normal just so it wouldn't end so quickly. I was so lucky to have been able to buddy read this with Brianna. I had a blast with this book in every way and it was SO worth the long wait for it. I never know what Christine Feehan will bring to a story, but she fully delivered on this book and I am beyond grateful in seeing it. I definitely had a blast in seeing what unravels in this book and getting a deeper look between Valentine and Emme. Their story isn't easy at times, and Feehan definitely covers some difficult issues. but I truly was on board with everything that we see unfold in this story here. The romance between Valentine and Emme is so heartachingly deep and riveting, you don't want to put it down in any way. Christine Feehan really pulled out all of the stops with this one and I was down for it. I am so eager to see if we will stories with Elie and Dario because they were fantastic side characters and there were some teasers that I am hoping Christine Feehan has plans for or I will be so heartbroken and most especially Dario. Seriously my favorite side character in the book and he needs to be felled by cupid's arrow---he deserves it LOL
Overall I found Shadow Storm to be a thrilling installment that gives us all the delicious beautiful romance that was slowly built over the series. Its a story that is guaranteed to thrill, excited and delight in every single way....more
Dream Spinner is the most latest release into the Dream Team series and it is also one of my top anticipated releases for the year. I was thrilled to Dream Spinner is the most latest release into the Dream Team series and it is also one of my top anticipated releases for the year. I was thrilled to finally have this on my kindle library and jumped right into it immediately and while it was far from my favorite of the series, I definitely had a blast with this installment. Its a bit different from the others to be honest, but it felt so relatable in some respects which is one of the most attractive aspects of Kristen Ashley's writing. There is such an easy connectability with her stories and how "real life" they feel.
Dream Spinner is a story that we see happen with Hattie and Axl. Now parts of this story was built up in the previous book and I would say you might want to read these books in order. They could be read as a stand alone but the reader will be missing out on certain clues.
Hattie is full of pride and stubbornness especially when it comes to her friends and Axl. She has been turning down Axl for weeks and just being in her own "zone" she has plenty of daddy issues and trying to live up to a certain standard, and right around the time a stalker comes knocking on her door is when Axl stops being so nice and gives it to her straight in how she is treating everyone that cares about her and she is starting to realize how she has been and none of them deserve that treatment and that Axl she will need to work on and win him. As Axl and Hattie work out their issues not just in their relationship, but each having daddy problems of an abusive nature and Hattie's stalker which leads to more questions, other factors come into play threatening Axl and the men he works with, he is determined to find the answers and explore what he has with Hattie.
Dream Spinner is a story that I had a delight in reading but I will be honest at times it felt slow now I am not sure if it was just me (I am in a bit of a hangover from my previous read) or I was just wanted some more action than this slow feel romance. I honestly think it might have been my mood that I had for this one. I was charmed by it and of course I fell hard for the hero and I always get a kick out of this author's writing. Her style is just so unique from anything else. Now this book is part of a series I have really loved but its pretty much just part of this unique world that encompasses the Rock Chicks and Chaos. I really enjoyed seeing Hattie and Axl work out through their issues here and was charmed in seeing their relationship build. Now they both had daddy issues so some of the story was focused on that and I actually found this portion to add depth to the story as it showed more of the characters and what they had to deal with in their growing up. There was plenty of fun times with all of our favorite characters from the series and an old enemy crops up. I definitely am eager to see how it plays out in book four.
Overall I found Dream Spinner to be a fantastic foray into the series that gives off a sense of comfort and normalcy, of romance and emotion and learning to overcome flaws to embrace a future. ...more
A Cowboy of Legend is the first book in the "Lone Star Legends" series and This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
[image]
A Cowboy of Legend is the first book in the "Lone Star Legends" series and I am finally getting back to reading this author. There are some reasons I stopped, but I am craving a solid western and this is an element that I know that this author will win in. Linda Broday is an author that I highly recommend to those that really love delving into the wild west and she has so many unique stories that will thrill you in all the best of ways. I have missed her writing so much but when I heard this series was connected to her Men of Legend series (which I adored) and that the heroine in "A Cowboy of Legend" is the baby that Lara was pregnant within The Heart of a Texas Cowboy, I definitely knew I needed this one. Both my library and Any play had these books so I started with the ebook but actually ended with the audiobook in the end because even though the accents weren't my favorite at first, they eventually grew on me. So I can't wait to delve into this review and share all the delights that I loved in this book.
A Cowboy of Legend is a spicy western which features:
Deacon Brannock-had a rough childhood, saloon owner, dreams of owning a ranch
Grace Legend-first child of Houston and Lara Legend, fighter for women's rights and activist against alcoholism addiction
A Cowboy of Legend begins with our heroine Grace, storming the streets of Fort Worth, Texas with a group of women who are fighting against the abuse of alcohol and the negative effects it has on the families and victims of the addiction. Grace is determined to fight for women's right to vote and own property and doesn't seem to care who gets in her way especially the saloon owner...Deacon Brannock. But when she stumbles into him and he saves her from a mean drunk she knows that she will never be the same, but she also knows him by his reputation and the danger she senses lurking in his eyes. But despite what she has heard about him, there is a chemistry between Deacon and Grace. Deacon may be a saloon owner but he practices safe policy as best as he can do while investing to save up for the future dream of his to own property of his own. He didn't have an easy childhood which still haunts him and even though he finds Grace a danger to his dream, he can't deny he connects with her and wants to dig deeper in knowing who Grace truly is. But Grace and Deacon will come together in the most unexpected turn of events, and their connection will turn into a passionate love affair, but there are dangers in their world, and can Deacon and Grace fight for what they believe in while paving the way towards their HEA?
Besides, fighting or not, there was something about being with Brannock, surrounded by the night that tucked around them. It was like they were alone in their own private universe for just a little while.
A Cowboy of Legend is the first book in the series, but I didn't expect to see such fun moments be built at the beginning of this book. I will be honest in that I didn't know if I would like this one at all because the heroine ....the heroine was a struggle for me in the beginning. I didn't know what to make of her and she was hard to really find relatable in any way. I understood why she wanted to fight for women's rights (back then women still had to rely on men for much of any freedom) but I felt like she was going about it the wrong way. She could be very abrasive and didn't care who she hurt. But then a member of her family gets involved and sets her on the straight path that in order to create change it won't happen with giving out vinegar ....but offering honey instead. Then we see a change in our heroine, where she begins to open her mind more, to be more understanding and compassionate, to see what a complex issue it is, and that Deacon is not the man she thought he was, that he has a kind protective soul that has never truly been loved. The romance between them deepens into a whirlwind of a love match neither of them expected to find.
Come hell or high water, she sure meant to give it her best and solve the nagging puzzle. Not because he had a nice smile, saw to her welfare, or possessed a touch that sent heat up her arm.
Both characters are so stubborn in their thoughts of each other, but they are really opposite of each other. I actually don't mind these types of pairings. Even though Grace was hard at times to be endeared to, eventually she worked for me, and I did like seeing her growth and change in accepting reality and being willing to work with men rather than fighting against them. Deacon was a character that just wins your heart from the beginning of the story. You see what a man of integrity he is who has been dealt a hard life but has tried to be a good man. I love that he doesn't let his past define him, and keeps striving to be better. He was a hero I admired so deeply and once Grace accepts and understands him, she fights for him so fiercely and I truly admired this author in being able to pivot on that element in their romance. There is also a sideline plot where we see kids going missing, and Grace and Deacon working together to discover where they are going and who is taking them and why.
Overall I found A Cowboy of Legend to be a stunning romance packed with human complexities that endeavor to showcase the beauty of being human and the strength that comes from love and paving your own way to your dreams.
Meant To Be Immortal is a story that takes us back with the wonderful, laugThis review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
[image]
Meant To Be Immortal is a story that takes us back with the wonderful, laugh out loud Argeneau's and I am in love with this series and while I don't get the sense of pleasure like I did with the first half of the series, I definitely do get a fun kick out of these books and they are a wonderful distraction which is definitely needed. I will be honest though in stating that Meant To Be Immortal is a book that I didn't really enjoy like I expected, the pacing of the story started out slow for me, or maybe I just wasn't connecting to the chemistry with the characters, it just didn't fit right and so I personally just struggled being invested in this story, I wanted to be so badly but it just didn't happen until about half way through and then I couldn't wait to see how their romance would evolve.
Meant To Be Immortal is a romance that begins with our hero, Mac, who works as a blood doctor, in researching blood for his kind. But when he moves to a new house, his house ends up on fire and he saves himself by going into the bathtub and is then rescued by the emergency staff. But then he is assigned a police investigator, there is no one else to assign a safety protection to, and while CJ isn't a true police officer anymore, as she works in a different department, she is determined to get down to the bottom of the crime and see who was involved. CJ is in over her head with Mac, and in other ways Mac has no idea how to deal with a woman like CJ. But as they battle out their differences, a chemistry builds between them.
Meant To Be Immortal is a story with a grump and sunshine type of pairing. But our heorine is the grump of the pair and our hero Mac is Mr. Sunshine and daises. He is very upbeat and positive and always looking for the bright side and making CJ laugh. CJ, has had a rough life and has become bitter about the hand that she has been dealt and doesn't know how to deal with a man that is so gone for her and is trying to win her heart. She is baffled throughout most of the story, because she doesn't understand why he is chasing after her. She really doesn't even suspect what he is or that they are mates till towards the end. So you have this courtship happening, where CJ is pretty blind to most of the specifics. Which considering she is a "no relationship" gal, it actually makes sense, but you also feel for her because she doesn't truly comprehend the depth of the relationship that Mac is wanting from her.
Despite some of my issues with the first half of the book, I actually truly had a fun time with this one and was charmed by the whole story. We, of course, get plenty of fun shenanigans and I had adored seeing the interfering Argeneau family and all their courtship meddling that we have going on in this one. While its far from my favorite of the series, it was humurous and light and had a warm mystery to keep you guessing on the reveal of the villain.
Overall I found Meant To Be Immortal to be a likeable, endearing and playful addition to the series and eager to see where she takes the series in the future.
Sorry, that person's shelf is private.
Lover of Romance
>
Books:
2021-reads-to-auto-buy
(44)
Loading...
