Ace's Wild by Sarah McCarty
Publisher: HQN Books (January 27, 2015)
Series: Hell's Eight, 7
Genre: Historical Romance
When you gamble with desire, be prepared to risk everything…... Unlike the rest of the Hell's Eight brotherhood, Ace Parker's home isn't on the range. This restless cowboy craves the hustle of Simple, Texas, a lawless town where he can sate his darker appetites without guilt. At least he did, until Petunia Wayfield arrived. The prickly new teacher is insisting that Ace help her rid the town of drunkenness and card playing. For that kind of miracle, Ace demands a reward the spinster schoolmarm will surely never give. But Petunia isn't backing down. Not when the intense passion Ace offers shatters her to the core. As soon as she can afford a ticket home back east, she'll leave Simple behind for good. Until then, she'll match his sensual challenge with her own, daring him to give up his fiercely guarded self-control. And then real danger claims Petunia, forcing Ace to reveal the man he really is—even if it drives her away forever…
Deputy's Bride by Anita Philmar
Genre: Historical Romance
A hot, historical western stand-alone story with a satisfying HEA. Texas Deputy Bo Kildare is looking for a special kind of lady, one that is willing to meet his special requirements. No sweet little virgin will do, he wants a woman who knows how to please a man, perhaps two. Recently widowed, Sarah Elizabeth Foster-LaFever has lived in the public eye for the last few years and wants out. Her reputation as Micah LaFever’s wife has left her penniless and without many viable options until Bo comes calling. Now, she believes she found the perfect man until her past rears its ugly head. Can murder and corrupt dealings keep these two lovers from making it to the alter?
Publisher: Zebra (October 1, 2013) Series: Catcher Creek, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Transforming their parents' rundown ranch in Catcher Creek, New Mexico, into a tourist destination is the toughest challenge the three Sorentino sisters ever faced. But now one of them has another fight on her hands—to keep from falling for the sexy town sheriff—again… Rachel Sorentino has spent her whole life protecting her siblings from trouble—only to run headlong into it herself. Her first regret about shooting at the vandals targeting her family is that her aim wasn't better. Her second is that when bullets started flying, it was Sheriff Vaughn Cooper's number she dialed. Vaughn is the mistake she keeps on making, a cowboy lawman who cuts through Rachel's surface bravado to the vulnerability no one else sees. And no matter how inconvenient their attraction—for his career, her tangled case, and their already battered hearts—there's no denying what feels so irresistibly right…
Two Times as Hot by Cat Johnson Publisher: Kensington (September 24, 2013)
Series: Oklahoma Nights, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
One Good Girl... After her sister snags a hot Oklahoma cowboy, Emma Hart figures it’s her turn to saddle up. And with two country boys pursuing her at once, she’s in for a wild ride... Two Sexy Guys... Lieutenant Colonel Logan Hunt can’t deny the heat between him and Emma is fierce. But Logan isn’t looking for anything serious...just a chance to blow off some steam. So why is he crazy jealous when he sees pro bull rider Jace Mills trying to charm Emma into bed? Winner Takes All... Logan knows he and Emma could have something special—and not just because she’s smokin’ hot. Now he has to find a way to prove that even a no-strings-attached guy like him can stick around for the long haul…
Again, Kame and I are trying something a little different for today's post! We both picked up Masked Cowboy at the same time, and decided to do a double review and discussion about it. A few emails later, and here's what we put together. Let us know what you think about this post--do you want to see more like it or not?
He hides from the world…but he can’t hide from her.
Men of the White Sandy, Book 2
Moving her veterinary practice out west is a chance for Mary-Beth to start over. But her resolve to learn to hold her tongue goes out the window when she meets Jacob, a Lakota cowboy who says next to nothing—especially about the black leather mask covering half his face.
Sometimes he seems to be almost flirting. Other times, it’s as if he’s angry she exists. But there’s no mistaking the heat that flares between them.
Jacob still isn’t sure who—or what—carved up his face and killed his best friend three years ago. All he knows is the thing was after a child he now hides with his silence. A medicine woman’s granddaughter he would die to protect.
Outspoken, sexy Mary Beth reminds him of how lonely his life has become. But he can’t forget how much he stands to lose if any distraction allows a monster to rise again and destroy the last hope of his people.
Warning: This book contains a masked cowboy with a lot to hide, a woman who shoots her mouth off at all the wrong times, and the wanton destruction of a certain pair of panties during explosive sex.
White Shadows by Susan Edwards
Publisher: Carina Press (November 21, 2011) [reprint]
Series:The White Series,3
Genre: Historical Romance (Native American/Western)
Summary (Amazon.com):
Missouri Territory, 1838
Night Shadow is driven by the need for vengeance, to find and punish the man who murdered his family and kidnapped his sister. And what better way to exact that revenge than by stealing his enemy's intended bride on their wedding day: a woman for a woman. He will release his captive if and when his sister is returned to him.
The daughter of a great chief and no meek maiden, Winona fights her captor every step of the way. But she cannot deny that the warrior's touch arouses something in her that her betrothed never has. She sees through the anger in Night Shadow's eyes to the despair within, and knows in her heart it is her destiny to help him learn to live again.
Night Shadow is mesmerized by Winona's beauty and spirit, and soon realizes he must face his past and end the hatred in order to offer her a future.
Susan Edwards delivers yet again! Her
bestselling White Series, now being re-released in digital format,
allows readers (both new and old) to journey into the wilds of
America, when Native Americans still lived on the land—with the
land. Each book helps to strengthen the bond between the characters,
one big family (if not always by blood), and highlights a new couple
for the readers to fall in love with. With White Shadows,
Edwards brings us the story of Winona and Night Shadow (aka, Clay,
aka Sun Walker—it's a long story...). Once again, I was drawn into
the story and fell head over heels for the characters, the writing,
and the tale being so artfully told!
Winona is a heroine that I could really appreciate. She was strong,
knew what she wanted and was determined to get it. This alone helped
to provide a solid foundation for the book; after all, good
characters often mean a good book!
Clay (or Sun Walker, depending on what part of the book we are
referring to), was a close call. For the first part of the book, I
almost couldn't stand him. After all, he was the “bad guy” (or so
we thought), capturing Winona to help accomplish his plan for revenge
against the man he once called brother (who goes by another name now,
and was to be Winona's husband). Much of what he did and said made it
hard for me to like him. But the more that his story—especially his
painful past—was revealed, the more I started to like him. By the
end of the book, I was almost as crazy for him as Winona. Don't worry
girl, you can have him—he needs you, after all, and I've seen how
determined you are, I would hate to fight you for your man! :)
Clay and Winona's story was very enjoyable, if a bit slow at first
(mainly, I think, due to Clay's iffy character). But once the story
picked up, the characters came through, and they began to fall for
one another, I couldn't put the book down! I was reminded yet again
of Ms. Edwards talents at writing a wonderful romance, one full of
adventure and passion, love and family. I have yet to be disappointed
by any of her novels, and I highly doubt that such a day will ever
come.
^Favorite Quote:
“What am I going to do with you?” He hadn't meant to speak aloud.
He couldn't believe he'd actually voiced his frustration.
Winona didn't laugh. She didn't smile or act smug at her obvious victory. Instead her eyes filled with tears and her hands crept up to caress the sides of his face. “You are going to live. With me. For me.”
With that bold declaration, Winona kissed him hard. As soon as his mouth opened under the demanding insistence of hers, she slid down and walked off, leaving Night Shadow staring after her with an ache in his loins, eyes filled with wonder and fear, and a slowly thawing heart.
This
was around the time that I, too, began to fall for dear Clay. Winona
knew what (or should I say who)
she wanted, and she wasn't going to stop until she had him!
4
STARS! Another
great novel in the White Series, White Shadows
has
a bit of everything in it, from sweeping romance to steamy love
scenes so hot you will need a cold shower (or two—or three) to help
put out the flames! Winona and Clay are both great characters, and
their story shows that they belong together. Who else but Winona
could handle Clay's stubborn warrior attitude? And who but Clay could
support and infuriate her all at the same time? Their love is strong
and true, and it comes through the pages to the reader. I'm glad that
these books are finally being reprinted (if only digitally right
now). Otherwise, I may never have had the chance to finish this great
series---I managed to find most of her books in a used bookstore, but
not all of them .Now I can finally catch up on all my favorite
characters! If you have yet to try Susan Edwards, I highly suggest
you put these books on your list! And if you are already a fan, like
me, well, I guess I don't have to say anything more, do I? For a
lushly written Native American romance, one that is both sweet and
spicy, Susan Edwards is, in my mind at least, the reigning queen of
the genre!
^Quote belongs solely to the author. I do not claim it in anyway.
~*~*~*~
I received this e-book from NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
~*~*~*~
Enjoy!
Until Next Time, *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!
Shadow's Stand by Sarah McCarty
Publisher: HQN Books (January 31, 2012)
Series: Hell's Eight Series, 5
Genre: Historical Erotica (Western)
Summary (Amazon.com):
Shadow Ochoa is lying low in the western Kansas Territory, waiting for his fellow Texas Rangers—the Hell's Eight brotherhood—to clear his name. That is, until he's unjustly strung up for horse thieving…and pretty Fei Yen intervenes. Invoking a seldom-used law, the exotic lady prospector claims Shadow as her husband and rides off with the bridegroom shackled to her buckboard.
Savvy, fearless Fei is single-mindedly devoted to her hidden claim and all it promises: wealth, security and freedom. A husband is just a necessary inconvenience and a name on paper to hold the claim she cannot. Shadow isn't a man to take orders from anyone, especially from lovely Fei—except that the daily friction between them ignites into nightly blazes of all-consuming passion. Soon Shadow is dreaming a little himself: of the life they could have if only Fei could see past the lure of independence. If only bounty hunters weren't closing in on him. If only
Shadow.... *sigh* Oh, how I shall forever dream of you!
I first read Sarah McCarty's work a few years back when Caine's Reckoning, book one in the Hell's Eight series, came out. Right away, I fell for all of the dangerous men introduced to us in that book. I looked forward to their own stories, and counted down the days until I could read them. And then...something happened (life) and I never did pick up book two...or book 3... or..Well, you get the idea. So when I saw Shadow's Stand up on NetGalley, I jumped for it, eager to finally have another taste of the Hell's Eight men! :) Let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed!
While reading Shadow and Fei's story, I was once again reminded of all the reasons why I love McCarty's books: wit, banter, action, steamy-hot lovin', dangerous heroes that I'd steal away in a heartbeat and fierce heroines that I want to have as my friends. Oh, and did I mention the freakin' hot passion? Yeah, there's tons of that in Shadow's Stand and you won't find me complaining about it one bit!
Even though I missed a few books prior to this one, this series is one that can be picked up at any point along the way without getting lost. However, I would strongly encourage you to read it in order (as you should with any series), although I can't say much since I keep making this mistake again and again... The men from Hell's Eight are all tied together, at first through a promise for revenge when they were younger, and now from loyalty and brotherly love (though they are not blood relatives, with the exception of Shadow and Tracker). Their stories are intertwined, partly because they are always there for one another when something goes wrong (and it almost always does), but also because for all of them, the Hell's Eight ranch is home, and always will be.
Shadow has got to be one of my favorite heroes from this series; he isn't gentle, he isn't sweet, and he isn't a saint by any means. But he is loyal to those that he loves and protects, he is honest and he will fight—to the death—to defend not only himself, but those around him. He's a hard man, like all the others in the group, and his mixed heritage and upbringing made him even darker. But underneath all of that, there is a man waiting to be loved—and Fei is just the woman to find it!
Fei, also from a mixed heritage, knows what Shadow has been through. She knows what it is like to be an outcast, to be shunned and mistreated by everyone—even those people whom you call family. And yet she is a very strong woman, defying the commands given to her, waiting quietly for the day when she can break away and live her own life, start fresh. The ancient culture of her father's people has been breed into her, and while she respects her Chinese ancestry, she longs to be like her mother—American. Free. She was the perfect match for Shadow, and while I may not wish to picture Shadow with anyone at all (I'd rather he was mine!), at least I can take comfort in knowing that Fei will be his dynamite-toting fireball, and he her dragon. :)
^Favorite “Spicy” AND “Sweet” Quote (2-for-1 deal!):
Her fingers went back to the buttons of his pants. “I want you the way you are.”
“That man will hurt you.”
“Not on purpose.”
“Pain is pain.”
She shrugged. “Then you will hurt me, but I want the real you, not the one you give other woman. I want the “you” that you hide. The “you” that you are afraid of. I do not want secrets. I do not want pretense. When this is between us, I want it to be honest.”
“You want a lot.”
She shook her head and pressed her lips against his chest. “Just you.”
^Favorite Funny Quote:
"Her uncles have found her someone."
That gave Tracker pause. "Her uncles?"
"Yes."
"Found? As in we went shopping for canned goods and look what we found for you along the way."
I loved this quote. It came along after Tracker was pushing Shadow, trying to get him to claim Fei, and he says the usual things for why he can't (she deserves someone better, etc). I made the mistake of taking a drink right before this, and I almost chocked all over my NOOK! Pages after this quote, and I was still laughing from it. It just put such a funny picture in my mind, of her three very dignified Chinese uncles walking into the local store and while searching for supper they found Fei a good match. * Snort * Maybe it's just me, but I couldn't stop laughing... :)
4.5 STARS! Another Hell's Eight man down, only three more to go... Shadow's Stand continues McCarty's sexy historical series, set in America's wild west. Passions run high, sarcasm and banter fly freely and two people who were not looking for love find it after all. I simply loved Shadow and was glad to see Fei finally rein him in, showing him that he has a home and a family, as well as her love. I look forward to reading the rest of this series, as well as going back to catch up on a few that I missed, and I highly suggest that you do as well! If you don't mind your historical romances with a spicy kick (complete with alpha males and feisty heroines), then this series is the one for you!
^Both quotes are taken from the advanced copy I was reading. This means they may or may not match the final printed copy. Quotes are property of the author—I do not claim them in anyway!
~*~*~*~ I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. ~*~*~*~
Enjoy!
Until Next Time, *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!
Lucky Penny by Catherine Anderson
Publisher: Signet (January 31, 2012)
Genre: Historical Romance
Summary (Amazon.com): To support her orphaned niece, impoverished Brianna O'Keefe accepts work with a Colorado rancher. To guard herself from unwanted attention, she resorts to a harmless little lie: that she's married to a Denver gold miner named David Paxton. But when her "husband" shows up, Brianna is stunned-not the least by her desire...
What length would you go to for the sake of family? Would you live a lie, dig
out of trash cans for food, pretend to be someone you're not—all so your promise
to a dying relative will be upheld? Brianna O'Keefe has done all of these
things, and more, for her “daughter”. And she won't give her up, no matter
what!
David Paxton, a small town marshal, is surprised when he is given a bag of
mail, all sent from a woman, Brianna Paxton, who claims to be his wife, and
Daphne, who is supposed to be his daughter. Problem is, David's never heard of
the woman, nor does he have any children. He sure as hell isn't
married....unless he got extremely drunk one night during his younger years.
What if Daphne really is his? How can he ignore their letters, especially should
she prove to be his? He sets off to find out the truth—but nothing could have
prepared him for what he'd find in Glory Ridge. Brianna, though a bit
prim-and-proper, is a beauty and sweet Daphne has the Paxton looks, right down
to the birthmark on the neck. So how is it that Brianna can look him in the eye
and tell him he's not her father?
Brianna made a promise to her twin, Moira, when she was on her deathbed. She
would raise Daphne as her own, caring for her like she would a child from her
own womb. She's kept this vow all these years, and nobody else knows the truth.
But when David Paxton, her made-up husband, suddenly appears at her doorstep,
her life of lies is in jeopardy. Though she won't admit it to David, she can't
deny the overwhelming family resemblance between Daphne and David—but Brianna
knows better. He's not the father of her dead sister's child. But then how does
one explain the looks? Or David's determination to claim her as his own and
Brianna as his real wife?
There is more to this story than what is appears, and only after the details
are told and the lies picked out can we see the whole truth—and some of it will
come as a surprise, even to Brianna!
The storyline for Lucky Penny was unique and very well done. I couldn't help
but feel for Brianna and Daphne after reading of their hard life. I wanted David
to be Daphne's dad, even though I knew it was impossible (biologically, that
is). But this story taught Daphne, Brianna, and us readers as well, one very
important thing—family and love is not determined solely by blood.
David, though a bit tough around the edges, was a true gentleman, very
responsible and caring, even when the truth of the child's family gets out. He
wasn't perfect, but his few flaws helped to make him who he is.
Brianna was a bit of an annoyance at times, yet in the end I found myself
wanting to applaud her for everything she did for Daphne. She tried to act very
proper, but beneath all her starched layers lay a fiery woman. I wish we could
have seen more of her strong side, but I was still glad that it showed up the
few times it did. Otherwise, I would have been hard pressed to find something
about her to like, as her paranoia about David and his plans for them was enough
to make me want to slap her a few times. I can understand her being cautious,
but she took it to the extreme, and for far too long. But, despite this flaw,
she wasn't too bad as far as heroines go.
It was lovely watching David and Brianna slowly fall for one another. It took
time, and up until the last few chapters it wasn't a passionate love by any
means. However, it did fit their characters, and therefore seemed more real than
forced love or a quick roll in the hay that then miraculously turns into “love”.
I do wish there had been more to the romance part of their story, but I wasn't
completely disappointed, so I can't complain too much.
4 STARS! Sweet and charming, Lucky Penny is an entertaining novel. Full of
romance, family, and a couple finding love despite all the obstacles they put in
the way, Lucky Penny is a joy to read. Ms. Anderson has managed to once again
bring the Old West to life, complete with charming heroes and strong heroines. I
definitely plan on reading more by this author! Lucky Penny may be tamer than
most of my normal romance picks, but it still managed to warm me up!
~~~ Thanks to Night Owl Reviews, where I received this ARC for free in exchange for reviewing the book. (Free book does not equal biased review, however!) This review is the property of NOR. ~~~
Enjoy!
Until Next Time, *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!
Eirica Macauley sees the road to better days: the remainder of the Oregon Trail. The trail is hard, even for experienced cattle hands like James Jones, but the mans will and determination lend Eirica strength. Yet, Eirica knows she can never accept the cowboy's love; the shadows that darken her past will hardly disappear in the light of day. But as each night passes and their wagon train draws nearer its destination, James's intentions grow clearer James stays beside her, the beautiful widow knows that when dawn comes, shell no longer be alone.
Up until I read my first Susan Edwards book, Summer of the Eagle, I've always disliked western/native american related romances. Not because of the culture or race, but because the few that I had read before I found to be very lacking and boring. But Ms. Edwards writes a fantastic, romantic, and adventurous story that just happens to be set in a western era, in this case the long trail to Oregon, the land of opportunity back then. You'll find yourself pulled right into the story, and you won't be able to put it down until it's over!
Ericia and James' story is a very touching one, and I found myself sighing with pleasure and even about to wipe away a stray tear or two. Their love is strong, true, and not just based on the sexual things, like some relationships. Don't get me wrong-- the sexual aspect of the love story is important and enjoyable, but it's not everything. Though the love scenes in White Nights are steamy and tender, they also show you the emotions behind their connection. Their love starts out as more of a sweet, pure love and it's a while before they do more than kiss, something that would usually bother me or make the story slow, but in this case, it only adds to the over all goodness of the book.
Challanges and road blocks create a rocky path for their love to travel on, but they still manage to over come it in the end. White Nights is more than just a book about love, it's also about family and friends, moving on and starting over. Ericia's husband, Birk, is a real bas**d, I'm sorry to say but it's true. He abused her and their small children, he treated her without respect, and he didn't care one bit about any of them. Because of this, both Ericia and the children have been scarred by the father's action, and they are scared and shy, until James shows them that he loves them all and he wants to be part of their family, that he will take care of them forever. The change doesn't happen over night, but watching the children warm up to him and come to call him Papa, along with the charming love story brewing between him and Ericia, makes the story that much better.
Though I wish I had the first couple of books in Ms. Edwards White Series, so that I could have read them in order, it is not necessary to do so. You could go out and pick up this book right now *Though you'd better hope your library has it, since almost all of her books, this one included, have been out of print for a few years now. I was lucky to find most of them at my used bookstore in town.* and you wouldn't be lost. However, you may find yourself becoming interested in the various other character's lives and love stories, some of which have already been written and some that have yet to have their own story, and want to go back and read all of the previous ones right away. I know I do! I'm especially interested in reading Wolf's story, but I haven't been able to find it yet...
4.5/5 STARS! An amazing western based romance that is filled with sparks and tears, love and adventure, family and life. A simple story line made so much better by the characters, diaglouge, and gentle love story.
Lucky Penny by Catherine Anderson
