Flying Blind, Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga

There were a lot of directions this story could take in terms of the conflict and the journey of the relationship.  What was lovely was that while those more predictable elements were there, none of them were allowed to escalate to disastrous proportions.  Keeping the story simple and focused on the two men as they navigate their new "normal" and discover more about one another allowed a fantastic amount of depth to be achieved.  Well, mostly.  I'll get into that in a bit.  For the most part this was so full of all the lighter feels, sexual chemistry, and determination you could hope for in a story with these particular tropes.

Being totally upfront, there was very little about January that truly felt deep in terms of character background and growth.  He was the far simpler element of the story so while he played a central role, I felt the story really focused on Hawk.  Hawk was the one with a whole lot more to work out and through in the story.  Also, another reviewer said a content warning should have been included.  I'm kind of in agreement because there's a tragedy that occurs that can make you feel totally blindsided, though I will say there are hints that something pretty bad is going to happen to one of the characters.  So without giving a spoiler, just know that this is an incredibly dangerous sport and there are consequences, sometimes dire ones, that happen.  Everyone going in knows the risks and the outcome can sometimes be as devastating as often as they can be euphoric.

Any and all angst in the story was reserved for the big issues, no petty arguments, lack of communication, miscommunication, jealousies, or unreasonable reactions.  Most of that was for Hawk's specific situation regarding his health and his career.  What makes this story different, and happily surprising, is all the communication.  Every moment where something could have been said was expanded to true soul-opening conversations where nearly everything on the topic was hashed out.  Sometimes there aren't any clear decisions made after them, but they nearly always end them on a positive note about recognizing the process of evolving as a couple, that there are possibilities they're willing to explore...it was so different and full of warmth and honesty that I can't find myself complaining about any of it.

These men, especially Hawk, have the biggest hearts and they fit so well together.  Their sexual chemistry is absolutely there, though sometimes it gets a bit one-note, like they're just rewording most of their sexual encounters slightly and perhaps changing the location, but it's satisfying as a balance to the many, many in-depth conversations.  Everything is really out in the open for both of them.  Professionally Hawk is in the closet, but to everyone that matters he's completely out and only keeps things on the DL when in the cities and arenas of the competitions.  That was another refreshing aspect to the story.  Adding in compelling side characters that are varied, expressive, and supportive throughout everything and I'm crazy about the overall story.  I want to read Jax's story next!

*$4.99 on Amazon

Sometimes the best thing about living in New York is leaving it.

When January Bell takes a risk on a business trip to Denver and introduces himself to the hot as fire cowboy across the bar, he has no idea what he’s in for. Hawk is like nobody he’s ever met, and Jan finds he is intrigued enough to want more than just one night with the deceptively complex man.

Hawk Destry is working hard to wring every moment he can out of his bull riding career. He’s used to beating the eight second clock, but a life-long degenerative disease is causing him to slowly lose his sight and he doesn’t have a lot of years left in the sport.

None of that seems to matter, though, when Hawk meets January, who treats him like he’s worth more off a bull than on one, and who’s willing to work just as hard to be with him.

The two men have to deal with the distance, unexpected challenges when Hawk visits New York, family on both sides, and neither of them sees any of it coming. Eventually even Hawk’s dangerous job is thrown into sharp relief when tragedy strikes. How will January and Hawk find their way when they’re flying blind?

The Serpent's Coil: Tin Star Witches - Witches of Ruby Gulch Book 1, Elizabeth Silver

Even though this is listed as first in the series, it doesn't have to be read in order since it's not a chronological series, only related in that the world they all exist in are shared amongst all the books.  That being said, some elements are also the same, not just the setting.  There are certain powers in weapons and relationships with guardians that are common throughout, but the individual powers can vary.  In this case, there are elements involved and this was unique to this story and was something I really, really drawn to simply because it was new to me in this world.

Both men in this story have something incredibly interesting to offer this world of the Tin Star witches.  Their powers aren't something we've seen in other stories and I was fascinated to see where it would take us.  We got a quite general introduction to their powers, that they were related to the elements, but not a ton about how they use them or anything really deep about the possibilities or implications of their powers.

I have to admit the outcome was quite tame and everything was an HFN finish, even that with the family and the source of the earthquakes.  I wish so much that were not the case because the buildup was there, the climax however, wasn't as powerful as we were leading toward.  Even the chemistry between the men was tame and more sweet, but with a lot more feeling coming from William than Marcus.  I didn't feel the depth of love or longevity coming from Marcus to match William's sweet intent and that was another avenue of importance that wasn't given its due.  So overall the story was fine, it just wasn't as strong as others in the series I enjoyed, like Ruby Run.

*$3.99 on Amazon

New Mexico Territory. 1868.

Marcus Rivers knows something is very wrong with the magic around Ruby Gulch. He’s kept his suspicions to himself, but his investigations have gone nowhere. And after months of living rough and fruitless searches, he’s on the verge of giving up. Then the mine owner’s son comes home.

Freshly graduated from the San Francisco University of Magic, William Dolan returns to find the town on edge. Even the land thrums with tension. When he meets Marcus and together they stumble onto the secrets of the mine, Will is going to have decide if he’s able to defy his father. If he’s strong enough to go for what, and who, he knows what’s right.

The differences between the two men are as wide as the desert. Wealth, race, status – despite all this, fate keeps throwing them together again and again. They’re going to have to work together if they’re going to save countless lives. The hard part, however, is going to be figuring out what to do with their hearts if the ruby dust ever settles.

Ruby Run: Tin Star Witches - Witches of Ruby Gulch Book 3, Sam Burns

From the very beginning the MC's were interesting and complex. They're not remotely similar to one another and yet there's something more that brings them together. Their personalities are endearing in their own ways and for very different reasons. The overall plot moved forward at an acceptable pace that allowed us to focus on the MC's, their pasts, their current difficulties, and what kind of life they would look toward when they finally reached Ruby Gulch.

I think what I liked the most was the honesty. Griff was admittedly a grouch but he never let that stand in the way of how interesting, adorable, and endearing he thought Augie was. Walt was really a reflection of his owner and yet his heart was soft as well. They made a great guardian/range witch pairing. Add in the adorably vulnerable yet eager Augie with his compassionate soul and earnest heart and they were a wonderful match. I enjoyed how their relationship grew and that there weren't any angsty bits with past lovers or misunderstood intentions. Their honesty made their path relatively smooth.

As for the magic and the plot, there was a huge tilt in the balance toward the explanations and romance and not the mystery that followed them. Because we knew who the antagonist was and that they would eventually have their reckoning, the journey was used to build a foundation between Griff and Augie as well as give us a thorough transition from an uncertain future to a solid plan with intention. The confrontation was between exactly who it needed to be between and it hinted at a whole lot of magically awesome things that are to come for Augie in his new life. I wish we had more of their story after that point, but the epilogue was sweet and clear enough that there were no mysteries as to how their life is progressing, I just wish I got to see the settling down at the ranch.

I truly enjoyed this story and am quite excited to see what else this series has in store. The other books are all by different authors and in the same setting, though I'm not sure how much crossover we'll get between the characters. I have certain hopes that we'll see a larger picture of the ranch and the world they all created though, so I'll be back for more for sure. Except I really hope for a little more explicit definitions as to the type of witches because using the basic "range witch" and "book witch" descriptions just weren't enough to understand the scope of what the witches are and are capable of.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Augustus Ambrose never planned to return to the United States after graduation. His mother’s final letter, with its dire threats about what would await if he did, had been more than enough to keep him away. But when his Aunt Grace dies unexpectedly and leaves him her ranch in the New Mexico Territory, he can’t ignore it. Grace gave him everything, and he can’t let her legacy suffer for his childish fear of his mother.

Griffith Taylor doesn’t want much. Quiet nights on the range, a big blue sky, and no rattlesnakes in his boots. He definitely doesn’t want to travel to Boston to take care of his late boss’s heir. When he lays eyes on his charge, everything changes. Not just because Augie is the best looking greenhorn he’s ever clapped eyes on, oh no.

Someone wants Griff’s new boss dead, and they’re not afraid to use forbidden magic to get the job done. Griff can handle himself in a fight, but this job might be more than he’s prepared for.

Lucky Break: Clean Slate Ranch Book 4, A.M. Arthur

Well.  I think it's important to mention that this wasn't a bad read at all.  It was enjoyable in many moments.  I just didn't love it.  And that's solely my own opinion and sensitivities declaring that, not because the quality of the book.  Well, not completely anyway.  There were some things about the writing, the characters, and the story itself that weren't as good as they could have been, but the way I feel is only a little influenced by that and mainly because I just didn't connect as I'd hoped I would.

The pacing was slow with far too many details for my taste.  In the last half of the story I found I didn't mind that so much, especially because we were finally getting answers to all the hints dropped constantly, but it took considerably longer to read this story than it would have taken me to read most any other book of the same length.  Romantically, however, I appreciated the slower build because they both had quite a lot of insecurities, fears, and/or reservations that they needed to be on their way to conquering before they could ever hope to have something secure and lasting between them.

With so many non-communications near the end I found my patience waning very quickly.  It's more frustrating with these men because they literally say before all this stuff goes down that they need to talk things out to avoid the issue.  While I get that reality means that there is sometimes a delay in notifying partners of plans, feelings, or problems, it just felt like the author was trying to manufacture even more conflict than was already present.  It was just too much for me.

And here's the big problem for me that is really just a me thing, I think.  I have a hard time with what's considered acceptable and/or expected of the "gay scene".  While I'm no prude and definitely don't judge consensual acts between adults, I'd never be okay with gratuitous flirting, grinding, wandering hands, and any other vaguely or overtly sexual displays between my partner and others, whether they be strangers or friends...and especially not an ex of any kind.  That's just not me.  So when Shawn was feeling what he was when watching Robin at the club and then Colt and Robin both downplay the display with justifying the "but I/he wouldn't go home with anyone but you" thing, I have issues.  Shawn not being used to that is not the same as Shawn not being okay with it.  I think it was more the latter in this instance, but his aversion to the scene is being attributed to his naivete and his anxiety.  I find that inexcusable and disappointing.

But what the story does have going for it is the tender sentiments they express, their understanding of one another, their sensitivity to one another's traumas, and the notions of family.  Those are all very powerful things and they're written well.  I am drawn to quite a few characters in this world and will likely look for opportunities to return here.  So while this isn't a glowing review, it is one that recognizes the positives as well as the personal grievances.  With two men that truly need one another and a whole lot of healing and love to go around, this is a family that I'd willingly revisit.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Shawn Matthews never imagined he’d be living out of his car, trying to make ends meet, but life doesn’t always go your way—he knows that better than most. When an accident leaves the Clean Slate Ranch shorthanded, Shawn is enlisted to help cook and finds himself bunked next to the sexiest cowboy he’s ever laid eyes on.

The first time Robin Butler spots the new chef, he thinks he’s seeing an actual ghost. Shawn is the spitting image of his late husband, and it spooks the hell out of him. The former rodeo-star-turned-ranch-hand does his best to avoid the soft-spoken cook—except it’s kind of tough when the man makes the best damn grub this side of the Mississippi and has a boy-next-door charm that’s impossible to resist.

Even though the tension between them practically sizzles, Shawn doesn’t do hookups and Robin isn’t ready for a new relationship. Besides, Robin can tell Shawn’s been hurt and deserves a partner who isn’t saddled with a tragic past. But chemistry doesn’t lie. Maybe finding each other—and a second chance at love—is the lucky break they both need.

The Walker Five Boxset, Marie Johnston

The Walker Five Boxset

I first fell in love with Marie Johnston's writing when I read Bishop from the New Vampire Disorder series.  After that I pretty much devoured the rest of that series as well as the preceding and connected series, The Sigma Menace.  I honestly didn't even know she wrote contemporary stories until I joined her Facebook reader's group and saw her post about new covers for the Walker Five books.

And now here we are, maybe a year later, and she's offering the complete Walker Five boxset!  Live today, the 17th of June, 2019...

Five cousins that farm and ranch together.

Five women that twist them up inside.

Five standalone novels.

Modern western romance with a Midwest twist.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

He's the leader, the one everyone goes to with their problems. The one time he seeks help  or himself could ruin his chances with the perfect woman.

MUSTANG SUMMER

She only wanted a peek at his cars, too bad it involved a little trespassing. And too bad his family is putting her brother in jail.

LONG HARD FALL

Her one night stand turns out to be just the guy she's looking for.

GUILT RIDDEN

She's a widow trying to move on in a town that won't let her forget. He's always remembered their one night together. How can he convince her to give him another chance?

MAIL ORDER FARMER

A down on her luck former nursing student and a perpetual bachelor connect online, but the distance might prove too much.

No infidelity, no cliffhangers, all the feels. Contemporary western romance from an award-winning author.

APPLE BOOKS: Coming Soon!

BARNES & NOBLE

KOBO

About Marie...

Marie Johnston writes award-winning paranormal and contemporary romance and is a RITA® Finalist. Before she was a writer, she was a microbiologist. Depending on the situation, she can be oddly unconcerned about germs or weirdly phobic. She’s also a licensed medical technician and has worked as a public health microbiologist and as a lab tech in hospital and clinic labs.  Marie’s been a volunteer EMT, a college instructor, a security guard, a phlebotomist, a hotel clerk, and a coffee pourer in a bingo hall. All fodder for a writer! She has four kids and just as many cats.

Follow Marie...

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GOODREADS

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Whispering Hills Books 1-2, Tabatha Austin

Objectively, these are pretty good books.  There's shifting, mpreg, hard-won romance, drama, sexy times, and happily ever afters.  Objectively, they probably deserve a little higher star ratings.  But there's just something about the storytelling, the characters, the world-building...just quite a few somethings that didn't jive with me personally.  They're not amazing, they're not bad, on the whole they're just acceptably nice stories with a whole lot of potential.

🐺🐺🐾🐺🐺

On the run from an unsavory past, Alex finds himself trapped in a nowhere town by a bunch of freaks who think they can turn into wolves.  Oh, and they can't prove it.  And he's mated to a deliciously "country-handsome" man who is too nice to be believed.  Jake has been waiting for Alex and all the hopes he had pinned on finding a mate meet reality and nothing goes according to anyone's plans.

There was a whole lot of potential for these two men and while they had complicated pasts, I thought they, as individuals, lacked depth.  I had hoped they would spend time getting to know one another with their forced situation, but instead there's a lot of "you just don't understand," and both men are at fault for putting unrealistic expectations on one another.  Everything works out in the end, but getting to that point is filled with more disappointment than exultation.  There was a whole lot of description too.  Not like the author was telling rather than showing, just doing a whole lot of showing.  It's one thing to paint a picture for the reader, but to describe each brushstroke is excessive.  It took away from the imagination and artistry that could have been achieved otherwise.  As for the drama, it was excessively violent, I feel.

The world-building was confusing as were the terms and descriptions along the way.  I felt so lost in the beginning, wondering why Alex was treated the way he was, why they went about introducing him to the town and Alphas the way he was, and all that went into the agreement with Westley.  There was just something missing from each of those points that I had a really hard time staying with the story from start to finish.  2.5 stars.

Where book one wasn't as great with the definitions of terms, world-building, and individual depth, My Shifter Hero did much better.  Because Truman was excessively wordy at times and due to his personality, when he described something he did it well.  Where he was lacking, other characters picked up the slack when Luke had his big doubts and questions.  It wasn't entirely adequate, but it was better.  Their relationship felt more solid because of the way they learned to communicate, the little things they did to understand one another, and the way they had to earn their own individual acceptance before they could truly accept their mate.  Their trials felt more magical and emotional rather than physical.

One thing that was missing from their "welcome" to the pack was the Sheriff acknowledging the strengths of each man when they came back after their trials.  What they brought to the pack was more valuable, I feel than what I've seen others "offer", but that seemed glossed over.

A moment that stands out as being overly simplistic, showing a serious lack of creativity, and pretty absurd, was the "reasoning" given to the drastic change Luke's mother experienced.  I was pretty disappointed with that and it soured so many of the good things going on in that scene.  Other than that, the overly descriptive story is an improvement on the first, but I'm not sure that it sold me on coming back for more of the series.  It's not a bad read at all, it just wasn't my type of story in the end.  3 stars.

Burning Up: Rainier Family Book 3, Ashton Cade

Sawyer is the recluse of the Rainier family, and for good reason; there's something in his past that keeps him from letting anyone past his steel-forged defenses.  Until Jason moves to town.  When Sawyer's equine therapy program brings them closer together he finds something that he yearns to hold onto.  Jason has been trying his best to make a good life for his autistic niece and with Sawyer's horses he sees a chance to heal and to love.  But neither of them will get the chance to find out about that future if they can't catch the arsonist plaguing their town.

Jason was fairly straightforward throughout the story, though I did find him quick to react poorly many times.  His ability to think through his initial response and know when he needed to apologize, however, went a long way to signifying just how mature he can be and how willing he was to make a go of things with Sawyer despite the quiet man's seeming reluctance.

Sawyer was really shy, quiet, and damaged.  His horses were his friends and I did feel a connection between them.  Those were some of my favorite parts.  The way he was with Emily was fantastic as well.  Trauma was featured pretty heavily once it came to light and I felt that it wasn't dealt with properly.  Surely some therapy outside of his horses would be beneficial.  Counseling doesn't work for everyone but one "session" of getting it on with Jason isn't a cure and not a long-lasting one either.

There was adequate chemistry between the men but nothing to captivate me.  The story itself plodded along and was a nice read with an adequate resolution to all the trouble-making, but I never felt gripped by a driving need to find out what happened next.  Overall, it was Emily, the horses, and the rest of the Rainier clan that stole the show and made this a good addition to the series.

*$4.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Cowboy's Omega: Poppy Field Omegas Book 2, Beau Brown

Lex and Stewart start off with a dramatic introduction.  But their interest actually began long before the interrupted confrontation at the bar.  Both men have been secretly hoping to connect beyond the frequent purchase of flannel shirts.  One night gives them an amazing start but complications from the past derail any forward progress they might make with one another.

I enjoyed Stewart and his resolve to friend-zone Lex.  With no explanation from Lex when he disappeared to his sudden reappearance with very little explanation or reassurance that it won't happen again, he's right to do what he does.  You can see the strain on him, though, because all he truly wants is to be loved by this one man.

Lex wants to be that man for Stewart.  But his ties to his family and past are standing in the way of his forever happiness.  He's got some major decisions to make if he has any chance of winning Stewart over and away from any other interested alphas.

It's unclear for most of the story if they can move beyond it and I don't actually feel that there's a solid conclusion on that matter by then end.  There's love to be sure, passion and attraction in spades also, but I don't know if things are truly resolved.  I was hoping for something definitive because it seemed to be that there was a setup for additional drama and I was expecting the big conflict to be something different from what actually happened.  While I appreciated that what happened was significantly lower in the angst department from what my assumptions would have predicted, the overall feeling was kind of a letdown because it felt like something was missing, something concrete about Lex's past versus his present and future.

To be honest, some of my favorite parts included Peter.  Being that he's such a close friend to Stewart he gets to give wonderful advice, incredible advice actually, and they save Stewart from making a huge mistake.  Ever the voice of reason and understanding, Peter is the standout character of the series so far.  His contribution gave a grounding to the roller coaster Lex and Stewart ride throughout their story.  Their passion, a solid cast, and a sweet ending made this an enjoyable addition to the series and a pleasurable read.

*$2.99 on Amazon!

Quick Reads and Quick Reviews 20

  

• The Contingency Plan, Addison Albright
• A Wealth of Secrets: The Shale River Series Book 3, Mackenzie Wilde
• Save a Horse, Dive a Cowboy, Kayla Jameth

This had a really interesting premise.  I was interested in a dual POV but with how incredibly short this story was it wouldn't have worked.  There was quite a bit of information subtly and fluidly given despite the lack of pages that impressed me.  I felt like I knew Prince Marcelo and was genuinely happy that things worked out for him the way they did.  He was introspective, intelligent, kind, eager, and curious.  His intended, however, remains a relative mystery.  We get to know his politics, his kingdom's dynamics, his genuine interest in Marcelo, but that's it.  Knowing practically nothing about him makes this a generally nice story that didn't have quite the punch I was hoping for.  2.5 stars.

I had high hopes for this story because of the synopsis but was quite disappointed at what I read.  The ending was tender and sweet and showed so much growth.  What we didn't get was the growth process.  What we also didn't get was a real beginning of a turnaround.  Doug's introduction was horrible.  Not only did he come across as a vacuous, selfish, self-absorbed rich boy, his growth and evolution was big and yet felt off-page.  Chris is definitely just as uptight as he's described, but he's so much more.  The way he cares for everyone in his family, his town, and everyone else is admirable and makes my heart ache.  But the rest of him leaves something to be desired.  It felt like there was a disconnect between what I was reading and what I was feeling and it left me unclear about how to process where he and Doug ended up and their roles.  Overall there was a feeling of lacking.  The characters lacked oomph, the plot lacked a consistent incline, the relationship lacked balance and foundation and transparency, the whole story lacked a depth and sincerity that would have made it as attention-grabbing as the synopsis.  2 stars.

I honestly thought this would be campy, hokey, and an eye-rollingly tolerable read that I was hoping to enjoy.  Imagine my surprise when I genuinely liked the story!  The two main characters in the romantic relationship were good men who truly loved one another.  Their willingness to do whatever it took to fix the situation was admirable as well as sweet.  I will say that I enjoyed Charlie a bit more than Shep.  While Shep's determination was a star attribute, his obliviousness and attitude of avoidance concerning Coyote's human deception was a bit more than annoying.  Charlie had every right to be upset and I'm not a fan of hiding events just to save a partner's feelings.  Transparency is a huge deal for me.  Watching Charlie slowly go feral was incredibly interesting.  I've never read about a horse shifter before so the way the author brought that element into the story was both effective and disturbing.  Disturbing because it was so logical, so believable the way he was descending into the way a horse would really act.  Such a brilliant part of the book despite the implications for him and Shep.  Charlie was also incredibly smart.  The way he knew who the culprit was and his treatment of him in the end spoke to both his intelligence and his upbringing.  I really enjoyed the way it came together.  Though I would have liked a bit more harshness for Coyote's consequences.  Overall, this was a surprisingly great story that I was happy to have taken a chance on.  3.5 stars.

The Courage of a Cowboy: Elk Heights Ranch Book 2, Kristin Vayden

Unrequited love is never easy and when Kessed's hopes are crushed good and proper, she isn't sure what that means for her heart going forward.  If it were up to Jasper, he'd show her what it meant, but with him by her side instead of the oblivious Sterling.  The timing is off, though, until Cyler's steer delivery comes early and it'll take cooperation between Kessed and Jasper to get the ranch ready for them.  Along the way they find something deeper and better than they envisioned before.  But when an IED sends Sterling home with open eyes, Kessed will have to decide if it's the past or the unexpected that holds her heart's attention from here on out.

I enjoyed Kessed's feisty attitude.  Her loyalty to her friend, her wit, her honesty.  She's a fun character to get to know and while her vacillation becomes a bit tedious, it's her honest introspection and careful thought that I respect.  By taking the time to truly think about each person and the way each made her feel she could get to the heart of the matter and make the best choice.  And aside from the unfortunate moment that was witnessed, the way Kessed handled it was sweet, hot, funny, and extremely appropriate for each person she interacted with.  She truly knew each of them and knew what to say and how to get her point across while maintaining the essential parts of their relationships and being true to herself as a person, not just true to her feelings.

Jasper was sweet, patient, and adorably funny.  He was a great partner for someone like Kessed and it's his balance for her personality that made me cheer him on the most.  The fact that he also had a great relationship with his sister was another point in his favor.  Their sibling banter was cute but it also introduced us to a sound voice of wisdom concerning his course forward with Kessed.  Harper's brand of honesty and sass was perfect to get Jasper to see that he couldn't assume and make decisions for Kessed without getting her side or allowing her to work through her feelings in her own time.  His presence, his goodness and humor, those things were what made Kessed see what she really needed and not just what she'd been hoping for as a doe-eyed adolescent.

With two great MC's and an equally stellar side cast this story was allowed to focus on the relationship and the individuals so we could really get to know them.  I was impressed with the outcome of the story despite my reservations about Kessed before I started reading.  I'm so very glad to have been put in my place by watching her be awkward, sweet, honest, and unique.  With the encouragement, understanding, and passion she got from Jasper she could grow into a confident woman who believed she could gain everything she hoped and more.  I'm looking forward to reading Harper's story where Sterling will meet the woman who will put him in his place and bring him out from his wary military shell.  His steadiness is sure to provide the ideal environment for Harper's heart as well...so here's to hoping Elk Heights will bring back a solid cast and do them justice.

*99¢ on Amazon!

Both Harper and Sterling have a lot of healing to do.

But maybe they can help each other...

If only they can give up the illusion of control

and trust in the healing power of love.

*Pre-order now for $3.99

Releases August 14, 2018

Laken and Cyler have their own history.

When revenge and redemption don't mix

it'll take determination and forgiveness

before they can find a future in love.

*$3.99 on Amazon

And don't forget the giveaway!

Reading is personal, so a giveaway should be too! Enter to win a “Director’s Cut” signed paperback with notes, insights and reflections from the author on the story of “The Courage of a Cowboy”, but first, coffee! In your new mug of course, and then after you read, take a moment to write your own thoughts in a new journal, who knows where your thoughts may lead you! You can enter to win on Kristin Vayden's Facebook page. No strings attached! http://www.facebook.com/kristinvaydenauthor 

Stealing A Cowboy's Heart: The Omegas of Sweet Water, Texas Book 3, Beau Brown

Accepting that you need help is one thing, but actually accepting that help is a whole other can of worms.  Griff doesn't trust easily, especially not a cocky, attractive alpha.  That's what got him into his current situation.  And when Tex doesn't do anything but offer him a room, food, clothes, safety, and genuine warmth in return for trying to steal his truck and snarking at him each time he opens his mouth?  There's got to be an ulterior motive, he just knows it.  But as he softens he realizes that he wants those ulterior motives except as more time that passes he's slowly seeing that Tex might just not have those.  Who would want a snarky omega pregnant with another alpha's kid?

Little does he know Tex really does have desires for Griff.  He just wants him to feel safe, protected, clean, warm, and fed more than he wants to get him in bed.  He's had his share of omegas but hasn't had any that inspired him to keep them.  No one before has brought out his protective instinct or inflamed his desire the way this scraggly omega on the run has.  The more time he spends getting to know him the more he realizes he just might like him, might want to make his stay more permanent.

Tex had a lot to offer Griff and Griff could have been just the fiery companion Tex needs to keep him in line and interested.  When their rough edges are worn down by their prolonged proximity we see new sides to both of them that give us a more complete picture of who these men are, why they are the way they are, and just how great they could be together.

I was frustrated by their inability to communicate.  They talked around all the important feelings stuff and it made for misunderstandings, bitterness, and hurt.  And the bar scene when Tex knows what Griff is to him, no matter how prickly Griff is, was just wrong.  Totally wanted to smack him for saying and doing what he did.  I get why Griff holds back but to be so vehemently against claiming and making sure Tex knows that but to be upset when Tex respects him isn't okay either.  I think that the relationship angst was a bit too high for such a short story, especially when there's other drama threatening to separate them and endangering Griff and his daughter.

And when it came to the external drama it was like fireworks.  Big boom only to instantly fade.  The confrontations were both sudden and intense only to be dealt with quickly.  While that could have been comforting, it didn't feel right for the story either.  A guy who has a history of abusing omegas isn't really a flash-in-the-pan kind of guy and I was expecting a bit more from that plot point.

The story overall was good, though, because the writing was clear and gave us a great picture of the two men.  Passion was present and very intense.  Their claiming scene was hot but with the angsting before and especially after I was disappointed in the men.  By the time we get to their confessions I had mixed feelings of their compatibility but can't deny that I'm a lover of honest hearts.  With a slightly longer story and a more streamlined plot I think this could have been a great story.  As is it was a nice story with great chemistry, humorous bickering (to a point), a surprising amount of angst, and an awesome mom and friends to carry both men through and make them see beyond themselves.

*$2.99 on Amazon!

A Hero's Heart: Resolution Ranch (Flint Hills Military Heroes) Book 2, Tessa Layne

A competition between children, a rivalry between teenagers, a feisty partnership between adults.  Their relationship grows and evolves into something full of sparks and spice.  Whether it will last beyond the fundraising events that brought them together this time around will depend on if Emma can let herself fall for a charmer.  But none of that will matter if Sterling can't let go of the end of his buddy's story.

Emma is on her way up.  With immense success in her career and a drive to see her hometown healed from the tornado's devastation she gets to work with promoting Prairie's businesses using her professional talents and connections.  One of those projects is helping Resolution Ranch get the funding it needs to really get off the ground.  Emma is a bright breath of fresh air.  She's fiery, quick-witted, fiercely intelligent, and incredibly motivated.  Sterling always provided the bait needed to push that much harder to achieve success.  He's also kind of an ass.  A hot one.  She can't seem to keep her libido in check around him anymore and he's doing nothing to stop that fire.

Sterling is coming home from the Army Rangers a bit broken.  An injury has left him only fit for desk duty and a buddy's suicide has left him reeling.  Determined to never fall in love and get married, he heads back home to help with Travis' Resolution Ranch as the ranch foreman where he hopes to find solace.  What he finds not long after starting is a stunning blond, Emma, all grown up.

When Sterling and Emma come together in a somewhat reluctant partnership things heat up between them quickly.  It isn't long before they give into temptation and add sexy times to their heated bickering.  Feelings nip at their heels but Emma reins it in because Sterling is clear with his intentions.  He's determined for their relationship to remain a fling and to end by returning to just friendly rivalry.  But matters of the heart can't be dictated.

The relationship angst is predictable but really well-written here.  It's believable and we feel for both of the characters.  It's clear who's "at fault" but we understand the motivations behind the actions and we're left hurting for both of them.  But what was unexpected was the purse theft and the fall-out from that.  One video was bound to be leaked but the way it was done was surprising and has implications for the next story, A Hero's Haven.

Hearing Sterling's heart while he bumbles his way through his confession and intentions is endearing, sweet, and makes me believe in his commitment to his own healing and their future together.  I loved the graveside moment because it was from the heart, honest, sad, and yet so very full of hope.  This is probably the best story from Tessa Layne that I've read yet.  I'm really looking forward to Cash and Kaycee's story and seeing more of Emma and Sterling in their periphery.

$3.97 on Amazon!

*Travis' project is what brought Emma and Sinclair together in the beginning.  

But how did it all come about?  

Find out in A Hero's Honor where Travis and Elaine find their own HEA

Police Chief Travis Kincaid Has Rules….
· Never leave the door unlocked
· Never mix work and pleasure
· And Never, Never kiss the object of your affection

Years ago, the former Navy SEAL learned the hard way that breaking the rules only leads to disaster. Since then, he’s followed strict rules to stay focused on his career and keep his heart locked away where it won’t cloud his judgment.

Too bad the woman he’s fallen for was a born rule-breaker.
In spite of her shady past, Travis finds himself bending the rules… repeatedly, for single-mom Elaine Ryder. In the aftermath of Prairie’s devastating tornado, Travis must come to a decision about his future. More importantly, he’ll have to decide whether breaking the rules one last time will cost him everything he holds dear… or give him his heart’s desire.