Friday, January 30, 2015

Rough Rider (Hot Cowboy Nights #2) by Victoria Vane

Rough RiderBy Victoria Vane

Sourcebooks Casablanca
Contemporary Western Romance
February 3, 2015
ISBN: 9781492601159

Two wary hearts …

Janice Combes has two loves, bucking bulls and Dirk Knowlton. But Dirk only has eyes for a dazzling rodeo queen. How can Janice ever compete while mired ankle-deep in manure? Exchanging playful banter with Dirk is all Janice can expect—until the stormy night he knocks on her door dripping wet and needing a place to crash.

Different Dreams…

Dirk Knowlton is living the cowboy dream. Life should be good—roping, branding, backing broncs, riding bulls, but there's a void he can't seem to fill. After getting hung up by a bull, he wonders if this is really the life he wants. Restless and rebellious, he bolts…but there’s a certain cowgirl he can’t forget.

When a battle-scarred Dirk returns to his Montana ranch he's determined to hang on at any cost. Janice has come back home to lick her own wounds. When old dreams turn to dust, can two wary hearts take another chance on love?


Buy ROUGH RIDER by Victoria Vane here: Amazon | Apple |B&N | BAM | !ndigo | IndieBound | Kobo
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Praise for Slow Hand by Victoria Vane:
“A “red-hot cowboy tale...their sexual chemistry crackles. Well-paced, scorching scenes and witty banter move the story along while setting the stage for Wade’s war-hero brother to find his own true love in the next installment.” – Publishers Weekly

“SLOW HAND by Victoria Vane is delightful, funny, page turning steamy sexy… I'm beginning to think Victoria could write a phone book and make it sexy.” – Unwrapping Romance

“PULL THE FIRE ALARM & STOCK UP ON FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR THIS STEAMY ROMANCE!” – Avon Romance

Victoria Vane is a multiple award-winning romance novelist and history junkie whose collective works of fiction range from wildly comedic romps to emotionally compelling erotic romance. Victoria also writes historical fiction as Emery Lee and is the founder of Goodreads Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers and the Romantic Historical Lovers book review blog.


Connect with Victoria Vane: Website | Facebook |@AuthorVictoriaV | Pinterest | Goodreads
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Excerpt from ROUGH RIDER by Victoria Vane:

He looked abashed. “We didn’t just have to leave the party, we got kicked out of the hotel too.”
“Evicted from your room?”
“Yup. And there aren’t any others available in all of Casper.”
“I know,” she said. “It’s why I’m camped out here.” She paused to digest what he’d left unsaid. “So you and Rachel?”
He shook his head with a scowl “We’re done now. Quits.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope. History. Case closed.”
“It’ll blow over.”
“Don’t think so. It was her idea to boot us. Said she didn’t give a shit if I had a room tonight or not. Then I couldn’t even try finding anything outside of town because my asshole brother took my keys so I wouldn’t drive. My next move was to pilfer a blanket and pillow and camp out under the stars in my truck bed, but then it started pouring on me.”
“So you came here. How’d you do that with no wheels?”
“Walked.”
“Three miles in the pouring rain? No wonder you look like something the cat dragged in.”
“Can I crash for a coupla hours? Maybe just camp out in the back seat of your dually? All I need is to get warm and dry again.”
Janice’s mouth went dry as sawdust. Dirk Knowlton. Cold. Wet. Here. Now. Wanting a bed? She’d give her right arm to warm him up. Heck yeah.
Misreading her silence he mumbled a curse. “Sorry, Janice. It’s my damned head. I’m not thinkin’ right. It’s still throbbing like hell. Haven’t been myself all night. M’pologies for being such a dumb-ass and imposing on you—” He turned to the door.
“No! Wait. It’s not that.” She grabbed his sleeve. “I was just thinking of your injuries. You don’t need to make matters worse by sleeping all cramped up in the truck.” She gnawed her lower lip and then blurted. “Y-you wanna just stay here instead?”
“Here? That’s mighty generous but there isn’t a whole lot of room for both of us.” He glanced up at the gooseneck with a frown. “If you’ll just gimme a blanket, I’ll take the floor.”
“You don’t need to do that,” she said. “The bench here flips down over the table and converts into a single. It’s really narrow and not very comfortable, but still better than the truck. Warmer anyway. Besides you need to get dry.”
“You sure about this?” he asked.
“Yeah.” She smiled. “What are friends for? I’m sure I’ve got a shirt for you too.”
“Thanks, Red. That would be great.”
Red? The single syllable rippled warm and tingly, all the way to her toes. He followed up with a lopsided grin that stopped her in her tracks. She turned to the small cabinet that served a dual function as dresser and closet and shut her eyes on a sigh—but the same air stuck in her throat the minute she turned back around.
He’d shed the denim jacket. And the black tee. His bare torso with well-developed pecs and a mouthwatering six pack greeted her. He was drying his face with his discarded shirt. Janice tore her gaze away and cleared her throat. “Here.” She thrust an extra-large Dixie Chicks T-shirt into his hands, a souvenir from their Top of the World Tour. “I—I can get you a towel too.”
He eyed the shirt skeptically. “No thanks.”
“What? You don’t like female musicians?”
“Don’t like their politics. Natalie should just shut up and sing.”
“Ah.” She nodded slowly. The shirt was from the tour that caused the “incident.” A lot of her friends had since thrown out their Dixie Chicks CDs, but Janice still loved their music. “I Can Love You Better” was her favorite. The lyrics, she’s got you wrapped up in her satin and lace. Tied around her little finger…but I can love you better, perfectly summed up all the heartbreak and frustrations of unrequited love; all her secret feelings for Dirk. She only wished she could show him now that he was here. In the flesh. A big strong, blue-lipped and teeth-chattering fantasy come true.
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This is book two and takes place during the events of Slow Hand and follows Wade Knowlton's brother, Dirk Knowlton and his lady love Janice Combes.

However, unlike the first book, this book starts in the past and answers so many questions as to who Rachel was and how she destroyed the relationship between the two brothers. This book will have you flipping the pages like crazy, I had originally thought this book should have been first, but as I started reading I thought, actually this order works better.

Way back when, Janice Combes had a major crush on Dirk Knowlton, however he was basically only focused on his beauty queen girlfriend Rachel who we all know eventually marries his little brother (drama). Eventually these two have a one-night thing but Dirk is a guys, so we know he will mess things up. Janice moves on with her life, even if things don't go as good as she hoped and Dirk joins the military and eventually comes home an injured and scarred man.

Now a widowed, single mother; Janice and her son Cody move back to her hometown to try and pick up the pieces of her broken life.

Dirk and Janice eventually come together again, however, this time they have a lot of issues to get through. They need to put their demons to bed and try and move on to a future together, but certain revelations (really wish I could tell you the secret) might threaten their budding relationship.

The story really delivers, it has everything any drama aficionado wants in their books and the drama, I feel like a little kids jumping up down with a huge secret to share.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Thursday, January 29, 2015

Slow Hand (Hot Cowboy Nights #1) by Victoria Vane

17732015This was a funny love at first sight then fight story. Nicole "Nikki" Powell is in Montana to lay her father to rest when she loses her wallet. Thankfully a very good looking cowboy comes to her rescue, first he gives her his seat on a collection and then a place to crash when she can't check in to a hotel without an ID or a credit card.

Wade Knowlton is a cowboy/lawyer (do cowboy lawyers wear boots and Stetsons to court?) who has had a rough four years (the drama behind that is crazy); anywho, being raised a gentleman, he comes to the rescue of the pretty damsel in distress, first he giver her his seat on a flight, then some Starbucks and a place to crash, plus a little something more.

The story was good however, there where a few things I didn't like, mainly Nikki's half sister. I found her presence in the book annoying and while I'm on that I semi hated Nikki. Nikki spent all her time trying to push Wade away and he was trying really hard. Worse her excuse was that it was too good to be true. She spends the entire time complaining about how all the guys she's met are douchebags and she finally meets one that despite his flaws he can recognize love at first sight when sees it.

Wade was a descent guy despite his many flaws and the whole connection between him and Nikki was interesting. It gave you a lot to laugh about.

The drama between Wade and his brother is what gets you hooked, I cannot wait to start on the next book "Rough Rider". There we get to see what Wade's big brother Dirk was up to while Wade was wooing Nikki. So I say read and get both books because they are a must read back to back; this was my first Victoria Vane book and she has a style of writing that will keep you engaged.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Falling for the Prodigal Son by Julia Gabriel

22397098Lucy Wyndham was headed for a bad life, until she was sent to summer camp for under-privileged kids. Now an adult, she works for the man who owns the resort that runs said camp.

Sterling Matthew the prodigal son has returned home to run the family business, as his father's health is rapidly deteriorating. He really does not want to be home, he never wanted to run the family business or its attachments.

Sterling wants to save his family's bleeding business and that means cutting the summer camp, much to the disapproval of the marketing director; Lucy wants nothing more than to save resort and her beloved camp, she has no plans of falling for her super gorgeous boss. These two spend their time clashing and falling for each other. 

The story was sweet and lighthearted, it was a short read with a happily ever after. Lucy can sometimes be a bit too idealistic, while Sterling often comes across as a bit of a douche. As you learn each of their back stories you get to sympathize with each of them. I would have loved to see more of Douglas, Lucy's best friend; the author gave us enough to be interested in the character. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Monday, January 26, 2015

Given by Kelli Maine

15998923Merrick and Rachael's story continues and there is just so much drama. It will literally have you going like WTF, secrets are revealed in some seriously explosive ways.

Merrick and Rachael's relationship does get tested a lot throughout this whole book, and I'll admit I was a little pissed off about the ending because I felt that it left so many things just hanging. 

Ultimately, between Merrick and Rachael getting back on track and the next book I was able to let it go. I really want to say more, I mean the drama was like just damn. This really is a must read.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Sunday, January 25, 2015

Henni by Miss Lasko-Gross

22809398Henni is a girl who lives in a village dominated by their religion; people follow their religion blindly, those who voice their disagreement are severely punished. However, Henni is  young and curious and questions this blind devotion. In her quest for answers, she ventures beyond the barrier [which is just a line in the sand really], those in her village believe that she has returned as a demon inhabiting her body. When she tries to reason with them, they shun her and as such she must flee. While out in the world, she is found by another group of "civilized" people, who are just as backwards as her people with their blind obedience. 

The story was unique and interesting, as it follows a character who questions her surroundings and attempts to further her understanding of her world and they way her stalled culture views everything. The art was appealing; however, my only issue with this book was the ending. I will not spoil the ending for you because that would just be terrible of me, but I do hope that there is a sequel, something that closes the story. Other than my issue with the ending, everything else was good; the portrayal of blind devotion to ones religion is captivating, because it portrays how societies can live in oppression to their faith.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Friday, January 23, 2015

Playing to Win (Summer Beach Vets #2) by H.Y. Hanna

23490083This is book 2 in the series and although it says book 2, it doesn't need to be read sequentially; every book can be read as a stand alone, its just more fun to read in order. This book follows Ellie Monroe, Sara's (from book 1) cousin and Dr. Dan O'Brien, a vet.

Ellie is a super uptight workaholic, who dispute being in Australia for almost a year, has never really made time for a social life, because, well, work comes first. Well, life has a funny way of intervening; that funny way being a boy named Will and a humongous dog named Milo.

Over the course of the book Ellie learns to open her heart and let loose a little; to not take life so seriously. The story was fun and the characters were very likable; my absolute favorite was Milo, that dog's bottomless stomach has a way of bringing all the characters together in the most amusing of circumstances. Dan was also very likable, he's serious when he has to be and isn't overly uptight; as a vet he can be on top of things, but as surfer he knows how to chill.

Overall, I liked the book and so far I'm liking the whole series in general. Let's see what else Ms. Hanna brings us in the upcoming books.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Thursday, January 22, 2015

Frankenstein (Dover Graphic Novel Classics) by John Green (Adapted by), Mary Shelley

22323395I do love the work Dover Publishing is doing in bringing the classics to a new generation. In this book we see Mary Shelly's Frankenstein come to life in coloring book style pages. The story is condensed to be more adaptable to a younger audience.

In this book, we follow the creation of the Monster all the way to the demise of its creator, Dr. Frankenstein (yes, I'm very picky about that, Frankenstein is not the monster's name).

While the story is condensed, it does reemphasizes the idea that if you treat someone or something like a monster based on their appearance, they will eventually become the monster they are perceived to be. It's a good portrayal of the classic story.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Hinterkind Vol. 2: Written in Blood by Ian Edginton

Two things, Vampires are great at black ops and don't trust your kids. In this installment, we see the Vampires coming to America to establish a strong hold and the Sidhe being done in by the avarice of the Prince and Princess.

We have Prosper continuing her search for grandfather and making unlikely allies in a quest for survival. We see unlikely groups coming together in preparation for the upcoming conflicts; this book will really get you anxious for the next volume.

I really cannot wait to see what happens with the Sidhe, I mean damn the palace scene, I was like holy F$@; totally did not see that coming; or maybe I do and I just didn't think it would happen.

Rating 4 out of 5
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The Royals: Masters of War by Rob Williams

This book was awesome, the storyline was engaging and dramatic. The story takes place during World War II (yeah, I know it's been done before); however the story follows the Royal families during the war. As it turns out in this universe royals are born with superhuman abilities, like Superman type powers for some of them.

The story focuses on the British royal family and more specifically on Prince Henry an idealist with powers pretty much almost like Superman. As the war progresses and takes it's toll on their family he becomes disillusioned.

The story also focuses on his rivalry with his douchebag older brother, Prince Arthur who has powers similar to his own; and his sister Princess Rose who has psychic powers, eventually goes crazy and is killed by their father.

The story has no continuation, so you won't be buying another book or anything. The art is good, what you expect in action graphic novels. There will be some twist that will have you like WTF, I won't spoil which parts, but I will say they are good.

Raing 5 out of 5
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Monday, January 19, 2015

The Wicked + The Divine Volume 1 by Kieron Gillen and Jamie Mckelvie

23093359This was an interesting read; apparently every 90 years gods take possession of a mortal vessel. They can live in this world for two years and then die (well that's getting the short end of the stick) to begin the cycle all over again. While here they all become music sensations with a trope of followers all over. 

The story follows Laura, a college student (who never shows up for class) as she follows these god music sensations all over her city. While at a concert she meets Lucifer, who also goes by Luci and she eventually sets out to prove Luci didn't kill a Judge. After that things just get crazy and that ending; you will definitely want to be checking into the next volume.

Oh and in case I completely forgot to mention this, the "gods" are from an array of myths and you obviously noticed the "Lucifer" thing; some of these "gods" have the names of fallen angels. You know, fallen angels, the ones cast from heaven into a fiery abyss. You'll definitely have some fun with this creative story.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Kinski by Gabriel Hardman

I would say this books was either relatively good or relatively bad. It follows a man named Joe, who is clearly having a mental breakdown, he throws his entire life away to follow some dog he finds. After finding the runaway dog he later names Kinski, he embarks on a journey that takes him all the way down to Mexico to recover the dog.

Clearly this man is all kinds of crazy, he does all this for a dog. It was evident that he was having the equivalent of a midlife crisis in his, what appears to be his maybe early, maybe mid-thirties.

It's a toss up on wether you should read or not, the story isn't that long. The art is like old school, black and white, so that was cool. The book was okay, I just could not get behind the doing all that stuff for a dog.

Rating 2.5 out of 5
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Holiday Hats for Babies by Debby Ware

This is a fun filled book, full of great ideas and instructions to create fun baby hats.

For those with more experience you can modify slightly to make the hats for adults.

My knitting skills still need a lot of improvement, but my mother, whose been knitting for like 40 years is making great progress on a little witch hat. You'll definitely have a lot of fun with the designs in this book.
Rating 5 out of 5
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Saturday, January 10, 2015

Justin (Male Model Chronicles #1) by Christi Snow

23815223This was one relatively, super funny, love at first sight story. Tara Malone is a mega-ultra coffee addict with a boss from hell. On a search for a nearby coffee shop she gets distracted from the road and accidentally hits male model Justin James.

Male model Justin James is out for a jog when he gets hit by a car. When he opens his eyes, he thinks he's died and gone to heaven after laying eyes on Tara.

With two broken wrist, both his arms are out of commission, so who better to help him than Tara. Tara has some serious image issues, which once you read about her mother, you'll get it; so, she can't believe that a super good looking guy like him can be interested in her. Justin is certain he's met the one; the entire story follows them forming a strong relationship.

The story was short and entertaining; what made it even more entertaining was that these fictional stories are inspired by real male models. There are two more books in this series and I can't wait to see what Ms. Snow does with them.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Tuesday, January 6, 2015

The Trouble with Texas Cowboys (Burnt Boot, Texas #2) by Carolyn Brown


21898341

Title: The Trouble With Texas Cowboys
Author: Carolyn Brown
Release Date: January 6, 2015
Genre: Contemporary (Western) Romance

Summary

Can a girl ever have too many cowboys?

No sooner does pint-sized spitfire Jill Cleary set foot on Fiddle Creek Ranch than she finds herself in the middle of a hundred-year-old feud. Quaid Brennan and Tyrell Gallagher are both tall, handsome, and rich...and both are courting Jill to within an inch of her life. She's doing her best to give these feuding ranchers equal time-too bad it's dark-eyed Sawyer O'Donnell who makes her blood boil and her hormones hum...

Excerpt

Jill’s gaze started at Sawyer’s eyelashes, which totally fascinated her. How could a thick bunch of dark hair be so seductive? Finally she let her eyes travel past his nose and to his lips. The music in her head wasn’t haunting, but it wasn’t upbeat either. It was like the background music to an old gospel hymn, peaceful with the promise of something eternal.

When she got to his slightly parted lips, the chemistry between them reached a brand-new height. His knuckles moved to trace her jawline, and then his hand splayed out, palm resting on her cheek, pinky teasing her ear, the rest holding her neck steady as his lips closed over hers.

Jill cupped his cheeks in her hands and took the first step to deepen the kiss. Desire fanned the fires of arousal until they were both panting. He moved from her lips to her neck, nuzzling, tasting, driving her crazy.

With one tug, all the snaps of his shirt popped open, and she buried her face in the soft black hair covering his bare chest. He groaned, and she shifted her weight until she was sitting in his lap.

It should not happen, but it was going to. Plain and simple. She wanted Sawyer. She needed him, and not even an act of God was going to stop what they’d started.

Buy Links

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1B10J58

Displaying CarolynBrown.jpgAuthor Biography
 
Carolyn Brown is a New York Times bestselling author with more than sixty books published, and credits her eclectic family for her humor and writing ideas. Carolyn was born in Texas but grew up in southern Oklahoma where she and her husband, Charles, a retired English teacher, make their home. They have three grown children and enough grandchildren to keep them young.
 
Social Networking Links
 

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This book started off hilarious and it just got better. You have a shotgun wielding woman, two feuding families, three matchmaking aunts, and four people who can't take no for an answer.

Its a light, funny read that will have you turning the pages like there is no tomorrow. Jill Cleary is moving into her aunt's farm to work and staying at the bunkhouse. Unbeknown to her, Sawyer O'Donnel is also staying at the bunkhouse as another ranch worker. So, how do you great your future housemate, that's an easy one, with the barrel of a shotgun pointed straight at him.

These two eventually team up to stop the advances they both receive the different members of the Gallagher and Brennan families. Eventually their team up leads to more and these two find they are perfect for each other.

The story was hilarious, the drama the two feuding families bring into Jill and Sawyer's lives adds for some serious payback pranks that will have you holding your sides.

Although this is book two in the series it can be read as a stand alone so don't fret that you might miss something. This was my first Carolyn Brown book and I will definitely be reading more; as well as hoping we see more in the Burnt Boot series, maybe a Gallagher-Brennan union (fingers crossed on that one).

Rating 4 out of 5
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Monday, January 5, 2015

Playing for Love (Summer Beach Vets #1) by H.Y. Hanna

23536382This is a very sweet and light read, there is no real drama or any over the top conflict that will make the story over convoluted.

Sara Monroe has fled to the land Down Under, Australia after a disastrous ending to her relationship with a douchebag/jackass celebrity (I'd use a lot more words to describe him and so will you after you read the book). To get away she goes to stay with her cousin Ellie (we'll get her story in the next book) in Summer Beach.

On a nice, relaxing walk on the beach, Sara finds a beagle (I think those are the Snoopy dogs) in trouble and what does this dog lover do. Why, rush it to the vets of course.

Dr. Craig Murray is one of the senior partners at his practice as a vet and when the pretty American comes in with the injured doggy he is instantly smitten.

The characters are nice and endearing, I like that they seem very down to earth and relatable. Obviously there will be a little conflict, because what book doesn't have a little hitch, but it works and the story still stays nice and light. If you're looking for a nice book to pass the time or if you're an animal love this is your book.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Friday, January 2, 2015

Playing by Heart (Summer Beach Vets 3) by H.Y. Hanna

23635990In book 3 of this fun and entertaining series, we follow Pippa Martin an ESL teacher who has been working in th UK for the past few years and is now back in Australia; and Dr. Matt Pearson another vet in Summer Beach.

This one was still a nice read, except half the time I just wanted to smack Matt; the entire book he keeps blowing hot and cold and has Pippa in complete disarray. Sure, he had a horrible breakup, but come on. Either move on and try for something new or stop playing with peoples feelings. 

Overall the story was enjoyable and Matt does eventually get his head on straight. We still see cameos from past characters and in this book Charlie has a bit more of a predominant appearance, so we know her book is coming soon. Like all the other books, this book can be read as a standalone, so don't sweat it if you decide to start with this one first.

Rating 4 out of 5
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