Audiobook Review: A Chance Inheritance by Carolyn Brown

Author: Carolyn Brown

Narrator: Brittany Pressley

Title: A Chance Inheritance

Genre: Chick lit, Novella, Short Story

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 1, 2021

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

What do a runaway bride, a free spirit, and a corporate exec have in common? Besides all being down on their luck, Lainie, Jodi, and Becky are Lizzie Cornell's granddaughters. Upon inheriting their grandmother's home and family bait shop, the three cousins return to Catfish, Texas, grieving Lizzie's passing and hoping to find the fresh start they all need. 

Turns out cohabitating together and running the Catfish Fisherman's Hut isn't at all like the idyllic summers they spent as children on the banks of the Red River. The days are long and hot, the tourists demanding and rude. And then there's Chris, a local river guide who seems to have eyes only for Becky. 

But Lizzie's death has set in motion a chain of events that will cause a new generation of Cornell women to come together. And thanks to this chance inheritance, some local fishermen, and the love of their Granny Lizzie, the Cornell cousins discover that sometimes an ending is really the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after.

Review:

Weeee love a good freebie and I like Carolyn Brown!

Here we have three cousins who have little in common, but they are brought back together after the death of their grandma. They have inherited everything and this might just be the fresh start they all need. 

This was a very sweet and lovely short. There is a sprinkle of romance, but that wasn't the focus. The focus are on these three girls who are trying to find the right fit in the world. I loved seeing them WANT to stay and keep their granny's legacy alive. 

I do wish we got some sort of epilogue though. I can bet and imagine what happens, but I would've liked to see more especially since this is not part of a series. I'm sure they will all find love and have babies that will keep the legacy alive for another generation. That is my hope at least. 

This pulled at my heart strings for though since my grandmother passed a few months ago. I wish I could have this reconnection with some of my cousins. It brought them closer together and I loved that. 

I've listened to the narrator in the past so it was lovely hearing her again. She does such a good job. 

All-in-all, this was very sweet and quick. I do think we needed a page or two more as a final conclusion since there are no more books. Other than that, I adored this. I'll give it 4 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): All the cousins and Chris

- Least Favorite Character(s): The ex

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #25

Audiobook Review: Lucky in Love by Carolyn Brown

Author: Carolyn Brown
Narrator: Brian Hutchinson

Title: Lucky in Love
(Lucky #1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western
Pages: Audiobook
Published: January 1st 2009
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Beau hasn't got a lick of sense when it comes to women

Everything hunky rancher -Lucky- Beau Luckadeau touches turns to gold--except relationships. He's gone and lost track of the woman of his dreams, and now he's got himself tied up with a gold-digger...

Milli can mend a fence, pull a calf, or shoot a rattlesnake between the eyes

When spitfire Milli Torres shows up to help out at the Lazy Z ranch, she's horrified to find that her nearest neighbor is Beau Luckadeau--the very man she'd hoped never to lay eyes on again. And if Beau ever figures out what really happened on that steamy Louisiana night when they first met, there'll be the devil to pay...

Review: 

This one was voted for our DNF Second Chance. Finally got myself to reopen the book and start over. 

Beau and Milli are our couple here. Beau has a lot of luck in a lot of things, but love? Nope. One day in Louisiana he had found the woman of his dreams, but he woke up from a drunk night and questioned if she even existed. That woman was Milli. It was a one night stand after a terrible break up. There was something about Beau but she had to leave. Time went on and the two are reunited when fighting over a cow.  

This 2nd go around I actually did finish the book. *pats back* So proud. I pushed through even with the dumb-dumbs. 

Let's be fair. I'm not mad at Beau. He's dumb, but harmless. 

I'm still mad at Milli. They say she is stubborn but I call her a fool and selfish. A selfish little girl. I forgave her for not looking for Beau. She didn't know too much about him. But after they ran into each other? When she realized he was the papa to her baby? She should've been honest with him especially when he broke up with that gold-digger. I get keeping it to herself while he was engaged. Sure....maybe. But the moment he was free....you gotta tell him. Honestly she should've told him as soon as possible even when he was taken, but I get the hestitation....kinda.....

I won't forgive her for her selfish, "but she's MY child" attitude. You kept that baby from him and would've kept that lie until it was forced open. SELFISH. She wasn't thinking of her kid. Just herself. GAH. Millie is the worst. 

But yes, I did finish it. When Millie wasn't being a child, I did enjoy myself. Especially the last quarter of the book. 

The narrator is amazing. Perfect voices. 

All-in-all, I'm glad this was voted for a re-do, but I still had some major issues. Everyone was still dumb, but I could forgive them all. I just can't get over how selfish and foolish Millie was though. Gah. I'll give this 2 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Frustrating

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #55

B's Tuesday Review: Just a Cowboy and his Baby by Carolyn Brown

396 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Series: Spikes & Spurs (#6)

Format: 396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published: August 6, 2024 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

Contemporary romance/western romance/netgalley

So this was actually by mistake, I saw it on Netgalley (and I am never there), and I went for it. Half way through I realised that I had actually read it 10 years ago. Ooops.

Gemma and Trace are doing the rodeo circuit and they are head to head. But only one person can win. Sure, I was rooting for Gemma, girl power and all that. Sorry Trace. They are in competition, but slowly something grows there and they start spending time together in private too.

I liked their families and the whole rodeo thing. The drama comes rather late and is quickly resolved because omg they talk about it and are there for each other.

I enjoyed it

Gemma O'Donnell was incensed when she wasn't the first woman to win the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Championship Association) buckle for bronc riding. This year, she heads out on the PRCA ProRodeo Tour burning to be the second.

First stop is Cody, Wyoming where her stiffest competition is Trace Coleman, who already has a jump on her. A tall, dark-haired cowboy with a sexy grin and a swagger, he doesn't really give a damn about the trophy belt buckle—he wants the purse to buy a ranch he has his eye on. He damn sure doesn't have time for a sassy bit of Irish baggage who can evidently ride anything with four legs and make anything with two legs want to take her to bed.

Gemma wins a few; Trace wins a few. In the end they both qualify for the final cut in Las Vegas. But when it comes down to the wire, only one can win the bronc-riding competition and take home one helluva prize. But in this competition, it just might be loser takes all...

Book Review: The Strawberry Hearts Diner by Carolyn Brown

Author: Carolyn Brown

Title: The Strawberry Hearts Diner

Genre: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 288 

Published: July 18, 2017

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Being broke, unemployed, and stranded back in the tiny town of Pick, Texas, was not part of Jancy Wilson's plan. Yet here she is, watching her car literally go up in smoke—along with her last-ditch hope of staying with her cousin in Louisiana. When Jancy spies a Help Wanted sign hanging in the window of the quaint Strawberry Hearts Diner, the memories of the two years she spent there as a teenager—and the lure of the diner's beloved strawberry tarts—are enough to draw her in and plant her feet—but only temporarily.

Raised by parents who refused to settle anywhere for long, Jancy has never known what it is to have roots. Now that Jancy's swept up by the warmth and character of this quirky little community—and by the pull of an old crush—it's beginning to feel like home. She's making friends and even discovering the sweetness of falling in love. But when the town is threatened, Jancy knows it will take more than its legendary tarts to save it. Can she fight for this little Texas town—knowing she might not stay forever?

Review:

Seen this cover and I had to have it for myself!

We follow four ladies. There is Jancy who is broke, unemployed, and stranded back in the tiny town of Pick, TX. She spies a Help Wanted sign hanging in the window of the Strawberry Hearts Diner that is owned by Nettie and Vicky. Emily is Vicky's daughter. Jancy is swept up by the warmth and character of this small town and is slowly falling in love and making friends but everything could be ruined when the town is threatened. 

This was very, very, very sweet. I needed a nice sweet story I think so it gave me the sweetness I needed. Friends, love, small town, small diner, and yummy treats? Yayy!

We get to see a few POVs so that was fun. I do feel like there were too many cooks in the kitchen at times. I think I would've just liked Jancy's and maybe one other. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy seeing all their relationships and feelings, but sometimes it felt like it was too much.

But yes. This was sweet and enjoyable. A nice summer read outside. Loved the small town and I would be at that diner all the time especially for the tarts!!!

The ending was nice and cute. 

I will say there are some slow moments. Sometimes I was just wanting it to pick up, but sometimes the slow moments were perfect. 

All-in-all, this was a nice tale of 4 ladies in a small town. Originally I was going to have this be a box on my Romance reading challenge, but I do not feel like the romance was heavy enough. Not upset about it, but it was more of a chick lit with friendship being the main thing here. I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Sweet

2nd DNF Second Chance Announcement

The votes are in for our 2nd DNF Second Chance! And we had a clear winner this time around!

I will try and get started on this in before the end of summer (maybe a July read)! 

Again...here are my self-imposed rules: 

- The book must be sitting on the DNF shelf for over a year. Time heals wounds...right?

- Honor the poll choice

- Read at LEAST 125 pages before giving up. 

- Be completely and utterly honest

- If it is a physical book on my shelf and I DNF it again, I MUST rehome it.

If you want to do this idea for yourself, please feel free. It might become a thing going forward. We'll see how book 1 goes ;) 

Book Review: Cowboy Rebel by Carolyn Brown

Author: Carolyn Brown

Title: Cowboy Rebel

(Longhorn Canyon #4)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western

Format: ebook

Published: May 28th 2019

Where I Got It: Library

Summary: 

Ever since losing his best friend in a motorcycle accident, Taggart Baker wants to make every moment count. No dare is too dangerous, no adventure too crazy for this cowboy. But after one bad brush with the law, he realizes it's time to ditch his hooligan friends and grow up. Now he's running his own ranch next to the Longhorn Canyon spread in Texas. Still, no one would ever call him tame.

Nikki Grady has worked too hard for her RN license just to throw it away for some reckless cowboy who shows up in her emergency room after a barroom brawl. But she can't help being drawn to Tag's sense of humor and those crystal blue eyes. The more time they spend together, the more she sees his good heart. But just as Tag seems ready to settle down for good, his troubled past comes calling-and this time he won't be able to walk away so easily.

Review:

Forgot about this series until I stumbled upon this while scrolling my library's ebook section. 

We follow Taggart, Tag, and Nikki. Tag was once a rebel but after one bad brush with the law, he finally realized it's time to grow up and ditch his hooligan friends. He also wants to live life to the fullest after his best friend died in a motorcycle accident. Nikki has worked so hard to become an RN and make herself a nice life. She refuses to throw it away for this reckless cowboy. However, she feels drawn to Tag because of his humor and his blue eyes. The more time they spend together, the more she can see his good heart. Things seem to be going good until demons from his old life come calling and puts Nikki in trouble. 

This would be okay as a standalone I think, but I would recommend at a minimum reading the book before this one.

I struggled at the beginning. I liked Nikki and I loved Tag, but it took me a while to really feel the chemistry between them. They are opposites for sure, but it didn't seem legit or feel real at first. However, things changed when he got her a goldfish....and then I was hooked to them and I could see and feel the love!!! Don't ask me why that scene made everything click for me. It's such a little thing, but how freakin' sweet of him! They needed each other!!

Gah! Poor Nikki. She really deserved love! I am so happy a certain twist happened. It melted my lil heart and made me so happy. I won't say WHAT, but I was so happy. Her mother is a piece of work for sure. Yes, yes, the mom had major issues, but she should've gone to a therapist or something. Poor Nikki. And that poor brother of hers who passed. All so sad. 

They both had issues and lots of bad things tossed at them, but I loved them fighting through it together. They were so supportive of each other. It was nice to see them be friends and lovers. What a healthy couple they were! Loved it!

I can't wait to see Hud find love now (Tag's twin) esp after his accident.

Love this series and these cowboys!

In the end, I did struggle at the beginning, but once I was hooked I could not stop reading. I always forget how much I like this author and her work. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):

- #23 for Romance Bingo - "Cowboy" in title. 

Audiobook Review: The Wedding Gift by Carolyn Brown

Author: Carolyn Brown

Narrator: Brittany Pressley

Title: The Wedding Gift

Genre: Novella, Contemporary, Romance, Short Story

Format: Audiobook

Published: November 10th 2020

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

A week before your wedding is no time for your ex to ride back into town, stirring up trouble. But that’s exactly the predicament Darla McAdams finds herself in. With practically the entire town of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, in attendance, the last place she wants to be is at her grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary party with the whole family, her fiancé and her old flame all in the same room.

Darla’s grandmother Roxie has seen many a bride tested, and she knows Darla is at a crossroads. It’s time to share the truth about Roxie’s own marriage to Darla’s grandfather - and the gift that saved their marriage so many years ago. By revealing secret after secret, the most startling involving a television set, Roxie gives Darla a wedding gift she’ll cherish forever, but only Darla can listen to what’s inside her heart and know who she’s meant to say “I do” to.

Review:

Awww! I really should read more Carolyn Brown books! They are always fun and sweet. 

In this novella, we follow Darla who is about to get married but now all these doubts are hitting her when her ex comes into town and wants her back. She goes to her grandma for help in what to do. Grandma Roxie decides it time to share her own marriage issues to help Darla through this Bride Test.

This wasn't a typical romance tale. Darla and her boo are already engaged and about to get married (which I would love to see the beginning of that relationship). I enjoyed this not typical romance. It was nice to see that engagement and marriage is not always butterflies and rainbows. People have fights. People have doubts. People make-up. 

I did have to roll my eyes though because that ex of hers, Will or whatever, is a total asshat. He SUCKS majorly. How was that even temptation?????? SMH. I guess love/lust is blind. Super, duper blind. 

I did like the side story about Grandma. I do wish this had been longer or too different short stories. I wanted more about Grandma's and Darla's love stories. I feel like there was more to everyone's stories. 

The narrator sounded familiar to me. I think she has done previous Carolyn Brown books. She is good. Her girl and boy voices are good. 

In the end, I'll give this 3 stars. I wanted more for sure. 

Challenge(s):
- #32 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Cowboy Brave by Carolyn Brown

Author: Carolyn Brown
Narrator: Chelsea Hatfield

Title: Cowboy Brave

(Longhorn Canyon #3)

Genre: Contemporary romance, Western

Format: Audiobook

Published:   January 8th 2019 

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

 Born and raised on a farm, she's worked hard to distance herself from that life, thank you very much. But when the seniors at the nursing home where she works beg for a ranch retreat, she caves and heads up to the Longhorn Canyon spread. With one glance at the sexy cowboy who opens the door, she's suddenly thinking a week with him might not be so bad after all.

Justin Maguire doesn't quite know what to do with the gorgeous woman who shows up on his doorstep. She's all curves and confidence-even after stepping in a cow pile. Too bad she's determined not to fall for a cowboy. But with the help of five nosy, matchmaking seniors, he might just convince her he's worth the risk.

Review:

Why can't I live at this ranch too????????

Here we have Justin Maguire and Emily. Emily was born and raised on a ranch but decided that she didn't want that life especially if she is stuck all day at a desk doing paperwork. She has tried to distance herself as much as possible from her previous life, however, when a group of her beloved seniors at the nursing home want to do a ranch retreat, she caves and heads up to Longhorn Canyon. Justin and the ranch agree to this retreat for the group of seniors and the sexy Emily. It is instant attraction, but she is stubborn so with the help of the matchmaking and troublemaking seniors, he might just be able to convince her to give him a shot. 

Gotta love this author. She really knows how to make loveable characters. Esp the Fab 5! They were a hoot. 

I get why Emily would not trust the likes of womanizing Justin. I wouldn't. Emily tall and super curvy and not at all the type Justin normally has sex with. She has enough on her plate and doesn't want to be another notch on his bedpost.

Oh Justin. I grew to love ya. I was worried it would be hard for him to stop being a womanizer, but Emily is worth it for sure. 

Ugh Justin's mother needed a slapping! Sure - it is realistic the MIL-to-be is not going to like the woman their baby boy is with (*cough*trust me I know this personally since I am not my MIL-to-bes favorite person either *cough*). But she really had no basis on why she didn't like Emily. SMH. I honestly feel like it didn't help with the plot if I'm to be honest. 

Besides for the MIL-to-be's issues, there is only a little drama here. It worked. There is an instant lust, but the love does hit them hard and fast without them knowing. I liked it. It worked for them. 

I do feel like Justin changed too quickly. One min he was all MARRIAGE IS FOR THE BIRDS and the next...I MUST HAVE EMILY IN MY BED FOREVER. It seemed too quick. I really think we needed more of a transition for him. 

The narrator was good as she was in the previous one. She does a good job with all the voices. Her old lady voices were hilarious BUT they fit perfect. 

Overall, I was worried about this one since I was not feeling Justin in the previous novels, but I ended up adoring this and Justin. Very cute. I had a couple small meh feelings, but overall, it was good. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #58 for Audiobook Challenge

Audiobook Review: Cowboy Honor by Carolyn Brown

Author: Carolyn Brown

Narrator: Chelsea Hatfield

Title: Cowboy Honor

(Longhorn Canyon #2)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 400 

Published:  September 25th 2018

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Patience was never one of her virtues. After her SUV runs off the road in the middle of a Texas blizzard and her cell stops working, Claire Mason is about to snap. Getting back home to Oklahoma with her four-year-old niece is top priority. And lucky for her, help comes in the form of a true Texas cowboy...

Levi Jackson has always been a sucker for strays. So he can't help getting involved when he comes across Claire and her little niece shivering in the cold. By offering them a place to stay until her car is fixed, he can make sure the two are taken care of - and get to know the sassy Claire better.

What starts as something awkward and temporary starts feeling cozier by the minute. And soon Levi is hoping he can convince Claire she has a permanent place in his heart.

Review:

I really adored book 1 and I've been itching to start this one. I found an audio of it on Audible so I decided to try it that way!

The story follows Levi who is the foreman of the ranch. He has always been a sucker for helping strays so when he stumbles upon Claire and her niece stranded and cold. He brings them in and takes care of them until the storm is passed. Claire was just trying to get herself and her niece home but a scary Texas blizzard runs her off the road and totals her car. She has zero cell service and not a lot of food. Lucky for her Levi shows up and takes them up to the ranch. 

This was a very sweet romance. Not a lot of drama here. It was very calm. No crazy exes. No lies. The only issue that they had is that they are both fiercely independent people, but who have HUGE hearts and a desire to be loved. I really liked this concept. Sometimes you just want a sweet romance that any sort of "issues" that can complicate a relationship and easy-ish to resolve. 

Cade is still my favorite cowboy of the series so far (granted this is only book 2) but Levi is a runner up. They are both SO sweet (sorry for using this word a lot but it is the best word I can use) and adorable. I'm a little nervous about Justin in the next book. He's Levi's best friend and Cade's brother but I'm not crazy about him. He's not a BAD dude but he is for sure a womanizer with a capitol W and he's rubbed me the wrong way the last couple of books. We shall see. He'll need a firecracker of a woman to tie him down.

Claire's niece was adorable! She is bound to grow up and be a little firecracker like her auntie. Again, I always get worried when kids show up in books because author's can fall easily into a trap of making the kid too adult-like or too 2D in personality. However, the author did fantastic! I loved this little girl. I hope she has a strong presence in the next books. 

OOOOO that surprise???? Christmas miracles do happen! I cheered! I can't say what but it made me happy. 

The narrator did a good job. I liked her voices for all the characters. The little girl voice was a little grating at first, but I either got used to it or the narrator calmed it down. 

All-in-all I did adore this. Not as much as book 1, but I really loved the sweetness of the story. No crazy drama or antics. A very sweet couple and an adorable little girl. The narrator did well and maybe I'll listen to book 3. We shall see ;). I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #50 for Audiobook Challenge

DNF: Lucky in Love by Carolyn Brown

Author: Carolyn Brown
Narrator: Brian Hutchinson

Title: Lucky in Love
(Lucky #1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western
Pages: Audiobook
Published: January 1st 2009
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



When hunky rancher "Lucky Beau" Luckadeau accuses spitfire Milli Torres of stealing his prize bull, she promptly shoots at him, triggering a feud that only gets resolved when they discover they share a steamy hot memory from a night long ago.

It was a night of passion that has always haunted Lucky. The mysterious beauty he seduced at a cousin's wedding disappeared. He's always been lucky at cards, lucky with cattle, and lucky with land, but he's never been lucky in love.

Now Milli Torres has come to southern Oklahoma to help out on her grandfather's ranch. A cut fence and a big, mean Angus bull in the pasture are bad enough, but then she looks up and sees Beau Luckadeau. Great God Almighty, how did he get from Louisiana to Ardmore, Oklahoma, and what in the hell is she going to do if he recognizes her?


I really like the author's work so I was giddy to start this. Well...ya. 

The story follows Beau and Mili. They had a one night stand a long time ago while he was drunk as a skunk because his heart was broken. Mili wasn't drunk but didn't care because her heart was broken. A year or so later Mili is back to help take care of her grandpapa and his ranch. Beau doesn't remember Mili but Mili remembers him. She has a big secret but she's not telling Beau because 1) He doesn't even remember so who cares and 2) he is engaged. 

I wanted to smack everyone. EVERYONE. They are all dumb. Big fat dummies. 

First, Mili. You are horrible. Beau has the right to know and you totally used him that night. Sure he was using you too, but you need to come clean and give him a chance. You are a selfish, spoiled brat. 

Second, Beau. You are an idiot 100%. How can you be so blind to everyone? You are not "unlucky" in love. You are just dumb. 

Third, Amanda (Beau's GF). You are horrible too. Using Beau. How dumb can you be to tell everyone you just meet that you only want Beau's money and that you want to sell everything and you are going to change Beau to be a city slicker and then divorce him? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!!!!!?????

Fourth, the entire town. YOU KNOW AMANDA IS HORRIBLE AND YOU SAY NOTHING. Yes, yes, love is blind, but you know she only wants Beau's money. Not from assumption. No, no but because she flat out told you she doesn't even like him and wants his money and to sell his ranch when they get married. Terrible people. 

One positive...I like the narrator! I believe I had listened to stuff from him in the past. He is good, but even he couldn't keep me hooked. 

I love this author. I do, I really do. This though? I couldn't finish it. I was so darn mad. Maybe someday I'll try it again, but I just couldn't do it. I know they will work it out and Mili and Beau will find each other, but it was too much dumb floating around for me to handle. DNF. 

Book Review: Cowboy Bold by Carolyn Brown

Author: Carolyn Brown
Title: Cowboy Bold (Longhorn Canyon #1)
Genre: Romance
Pages: ebook
Expected Publishing: May 29th, 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)



Every summer Cade Maguire looks forward to opening his Longhorn Canyon Ranch to underprivileged city kids. But this year, he's having no luck finding a counselor for the children-until Retta Palmer walks through his door. 
Flat broke after selling everything she owns to pay her father's medical bills, Retta is thrilled to hear of an opening for a counselor position. She's not as thrilled about the ranching part, or the sexy cowboy with beautiful blue eyes who's her new boss. 
After being left at the altar two years before by his fiancée, Cade isn't sure he can take another heartbreak. And Retta isn't even sure she wants to stay. But the sparks between them are absolutely undeniable. And with a couple of lovable kids and two elderly folks playing matchmaker, Cade and Retta may find that the best way to heal is with each other. 

I so do adore this author's works! She really knows how to bring a realistic story to life with drool-worthy cowboys. 

Cade is a cowboy who wants to make a difference. He is opening up his ranch to underprivileged city kids to give them a few weeks of utter joy and fun. However, this year he is having issues finding a counselor for kids. Like magic, Retta comes in and he hires her right away. She is qualified and sexy. Cade was abandoned at the alter two years ago and Retta is dealing with the death of her parents. They are both broken, but maybe they can heal each other. 

First of all...that lady was insane to leave Cade at the altar. He has a heart the size of Texas and is hunk. Fool! But Retta is a better woman, so it all works out. 

I liked Retta a lot and I loved Cade. They worked. It was insta-lust for sure, but as they got to know each other love blossomed. It worked well especially since they have their issues they are trying to deal with. I enjoyed their banter. I did get a little annoyed with the continued reference to how she is a Sooner fan and he is a Longhorn fan. It did go on too long. Like I get it. Other than that though, I adored this book and these characters. 

I always get a little worried when an author writes a story with kids involved. Sometimes the kids are drawn very 2D and annoying. However, the author did a wonderful job here. The kids, all of them, were written well and they felt real. I felt so bad for all of them...they all have crummy backgrounds in different ways. Some have amazing parents but are poor. Some are foster kids. Some have terrible parents. I felt for them and I wanted them to stay on that ranch forever! They were all so happy!

The ending was good. I knew they would get their HEA, but I did worry there! It all came together fine and good. I am curious to see what is next! I want to read more! All those cowboys need a HEA. Good men. Sexah cowboys. *nods*

In the end, I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: The Strawberry Hearts Diner by Carolyn Brown

Being broke, unemployed, and stranded back in the tiny town of Pick, Texas, was not part of Jancy Wilson’s plan. Yet here she is, watching her car literally go up in smoke—along with her last-ditch hope of staying with her cousin in Louisiana. When Jancy spies a Help Wanted sign hanging in the window of the quaint Strawberry Hearts Diner, the memories of the two years she spent there as a teenager—and the lure of the diner’s beloved strawberry tarts—are enough to draw her in and plant her feet…but only temporarily.

Raised by parents who refused to settle anywhere for long, Jancy has never known what it is to have roots. Now that Jancy’s swept up by the warmth and character of this quirky little community—and by the pull of an old crush—it’s beginning to feel like home. She’s making friends and even discovering the sweetness of falling in love. But when the town is threatened, Jancy knows it will take more than its legendary tarts to save it. Can she fight for this little Texas town—knowing she might not stay forever?

My thoughts:

This book was all these tarts are awesome, the best ever and oh my I am drooling! I need to try those strawberry tarts. My mouth was watering through out the entire book.

Jancy has no one and then she gets stranded in her gran's hometown. Poor thing, she only meant to visit the grave and then she is there, no money, no car, nothing to her name. But this is a C Brown book and that means a lovely small town where people are friendly. She gets a job, she gets a place to sleep. There are some great people in this town. And Jancy is a nice woman, just unlucky in love and she has made mistakes because of that.

The diner is run by Nettie and Vicky. Two good women and one of them might find herself being sought after too ;) Then there is Vicky's daughter Emily with her own love story. But this is still Jancy's story and yes she finds romance too. Love and strawberry tarts all around.

Conclusion:
Romance, friendship and good honest people. That is why I like Brown's books. The people and the towns they live in. Oh and that she always makes me want to eat or drink something that she mentions.

Cover
nice

Kindle Edition, 288 pages
Expected publication: July 18th 2017 by Montlake Romance
Women's fic/contemporary romance
Netgalley

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Toughest Cowboy in Texas by Carolyn Brown

Last time Lila Harris was in Happy, Texas, she was actively earning her reputation as the resident wild child. Now, a little older and wiser, she's back to run her mother's café for the summer. Except something about this town has her itching to get a little reckless and rowdy, especially when she sees her old partner-in-crime, Brody Dawson. Their chemistry is just as hot as ever. But he's still the town's golden boy-and she's still the wrong kind of girl.

Brody hasn't had much time lately for anything other than ranching. Running the biggest spread in the county and taking care of his family more than keeps him busy. All that responsibility has him longing for the carefree days of high school-and Lila. She may have grown up, but he still sees that spark of mischief in her eyes. Now he's dreaming about late-night skinny dipping and wondering how he can possibly resist the one woman he can never forget... 

My thoughts:

Honestly! The people in this town! Oh she is too wild! She is bad news! I was just waiting for them to like accuse her of murdering someone. And sure, she was a daredevil as a teen, but hold your judgment people! Especially his gran and mother, but then they had their own reasons for disliking her, stupid selfish reasons.

Lila and Brody were in love, but in secret. Not winning my love their Brody. He messed up for sure as a teen. But it was also a good thing, because she left that small town, she made something of herself. And now she is back and she never stopped loving him.

Not everyone in the town is an asshat, but there are some. They made me so mad, I am glad she was above it but still.

It really is Brody who has to make his mind up, and do the chasing for this to work, and hey, I like that. And as how he is, a true cowboy. While she tries to be calm, but that wild child still lurks in there (the one who can not let him go).

Conclusion:
It was a truly sweet romance

Cover
Nice

ebook, 352 pages
Expected publication: May 30th 2017 by Forever
Happy, Texas #1
Contemporary romance
Netgalley

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Wicked Cowboy Charm by Carolyn Brown

Josie Dawson is new in town, but it doesn't take a local to know that Deke Sullivan is trouble--in a smokin' hot package. He's sweet, sexy, and has charmed just about every woman in Dry Creek, Texas. Well, Josie won't be next. She'll keep her distance, even if he is great with babies and makes a mean cup of homemade hot chocolate.

Deke Sullivan really is a one-woman type of guy. He just had to do a lot of looking to find that one woman. Now he thinks he's found her and he won't let a strong, sassy gal like Josie slip away. Just when he's wondering how to convince her he only has eyes for her, they get stranded in a tiny cabin during a major blizzard. If Deke can melt her heart before they dig out of the snow, he'll be the luckiest cowboy in Texas . . . 

My thoughts:
I have said it before, and I will say it again. I like Brown's books because they are sweet. There is always good banter going on and it makes me want to visit where they are and have some pie or something.

In this one, Deke meets Josie. She is staying with her brother, she has plans, and they do not include a wild cowboy who flirts around. But destiny does have a way of making own plans. Like having them stranded in a snowstorm, just the two of them, well and a dog and an old man. For days. I did like how they got to know each other. They still fought that attraction, but ha, you can try it, but you will fail.

You could see they would fit well together, they just had to get there in their heads first. But it made for an interesting journey, even if the first half was being crammed together in a bunkhouse.

Conclusion:
As always then, a sweet romance with a good couple, and a great side characters.

Cover
Nice

Kindle Edition
Expected publication: January 31st 2017 by Forever
Lucky Penny Ranch #4
Contemporary romance
NG