Book Review: Once Removed by Margaret Watson

Author: Margaret Watson

Title: Once Removed

Series: Blackhawk Security #2

Genre: Romantic suspense, Western

Format: ebook

Pages: 271 

Published: January 15, 2021

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

When Lainey becomes trapped in a burning building with her almost-divorced husband’s body, Brody rescues her just in time. And when she realizes the killer is now after her, she takes refuge at Brody’s Montana ranch.

Lainey and Brody have been fighting their attraction for years. But as the barriers between them fall, Lainey rescues Phoebe, a runaway teen, from the compound where her husband died. Now they’re forced to focus on Phoebe and an invisible threat.

Whoever murdered her husband has eyes on Lainey. Will their fragile new family survive a desperate predator? Can they protect Phoebe, identify the killer and find their happily ever after?

Review:

Picked this up as a freebie since it fit for a couple of reading challenges. I didn't realize it was part of a series, but it was fine without reading the first one. 

Here we follow Lainey and Brody. Lainey is trapped in a burning building with her almost-divorced husband's body. Brody rescues her just in time. They realize that there is a killer after her so Brody lets Lainey take refuge at his ranch until they can find the killer. They have been friends for a very long time. There has been an attraction over the years, but they never acted on them. But as the barriers start falling between them, they rescue a runaway teen that came from the same compund her husband died. Now they have more at stake to find the threat. 

This started out SO strong. I was enjoying the chemistry and the mystery. So suspensful all around. How will they cross that line into love AND who is this killer? It was so good. 

However....things fell apart about halfway. 

It just lost all steam for me. I literally felt myself trying to skim. I was over it. I can't even fully point at what made me start feeling meh about everything. Lainey and Brody were fine enough. Phoebe was okay. The romance sizzled out for me. I didn't feel their chemistry anymore. I just wanted the killer to be caught so I could be done. 

Eh.

Great start. Meh finish. 

2 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): No one

Least Favorite Character(s): The killer I guess?

 Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #21

- Romance Reading #20 (Romantic suspense)

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

Movie Review: Of Mice and Men (1992)

Title: Of Mice and Men

Length: 1h 55m

Released: 1992

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Drama, Western
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Amazon Prime

SUMMARY:

A nomadic farm worker looks after his mentally disabled, gentle-giant friend during the Great Depression.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I haven't watched this movie since I was in High School and I read the book in High School and then again in 2013. We read it for my English/LIT class. Hubby and I were watching 'New Girl' and they made a reference to the show. At that point I learned that my Hubby's school never made them watch the movie or read the book. SOOOO I made him watch this with me. 

We follow Lennie and George who are looking for work and saving money to open their own farm one day. They can't seem to hold a job long enough because Lennie always ends up in trouble and they have to move on. Lennie is mentally disabled and sweet. George cares for Lennie but it has been very hard. They land a job and it seems to be going swell minus the fact the owner's son is a jerk and his wife is....lonely. 

This is a very sad story, but I find it a very important story for people to read/watch. There are so many things that are pointed out. I'm borrowing this quote from this article in Medium that really summarizes the original couple of paragraphs I had typed lol, "Through its exploration of themes such as companionship, the American Dream, and discrimination, Steinbeck delivers a powerful message about the importance of connection, the need for social justice, and the realities of life for marginalized people."

There are a bunch of other meanings behind this book that I'm sure you can find or think of. However, this story does make you feel, of course, but also think. 

I remember after reading the book and watching the movie, we had to fill out a sheet. One of the questions was about Curly and his wife.....I remember writing that Curly and his wife can be seen as both victim and the bad guy. Goodness knows how Curly's dad's treats him behind closed doors so he then feels the need to abuse his wife and his workers. His wife, in turn, is abused but also takes advantage of the workers. Sure she is lonely and I feel for her, but she needs to leave the workers alone. She gets them in trouble and doesn't even defend them when they get caught with her. 

You can see each character as victims in a way. They are all discriminated in some way shape or form. However, no one is fully innocent. There is a level of bias and discrimination that society forces the characters to "accept". The movie did an excellent job in portraying this. I really should re-read the book. It's been so long. 

Ugh!!! The scene with the dog always makes me cry and mad. I understand the symbolism behind it and in a way....yes....you don't want the dog to suffer. Ugh tears me up. 

The cast is WONDERFUL. They all do an excellent job with their characters. I must give an extra kuddos to the man who played Lennie. Not an easy role. 

This movie follows the book really, really well. Sure a couple little changes like the very end. I believe Slim goes to George in the book, but in the movie they snipped that interaction out. I do wish they gave Curly's wife a name....but that, in itself, shows the discrimination she faces. She is nothing but property of Curly. 

All-in-all, this is a must watch or at least a must read at least once in your life. If your school didn't make you read this, you really should take the time to check it out. I do still hold that I wished the author left some sort of hope. Even if it is fleeting or a tiny flicker. I know the movie was just following the book and I'm glad they stuck fully to the book which is why I'm going to give this 5 stars instead of the 4 I gave the book years ago. When making a movie it's easy to change plot points or add your own seasoning to it, but the movie people really stayed true to the book. So yes.....5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Tragic

Book Review: How to Kiss a Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy

Author: Joanne Kennedy

Title: How to Kiss a Cowboy

Series: Cowboys of Decker Ranch #2

Genre: Western Romance, Contemporary

Format: Paperback

Pages: 539

Published: February 3, 2015

Where I Got It: My shelf (Used book store)

Summary: 

Between rodeo wins and endorsement deals, Saddle Bronc Champion Brady Caine is living a charmed life. But when he causes an accident that could end a promising barrel racer’s career, he decides that he’s done with loose women and wild rides. All he wants to do is erase his mistake by getting Suze Carlyle back in the saddle.

The last person barrel racer Suze wants to see on her doorstep is the man who ended her rodeo career, but she can’t help admire Brady’s persistence. Sparks fly between them, but when her barn is sabotaged she wonders if he’s really the straight shooter he seems to be…

Review:

I had some issues with book 1 but I was still curious about book 2. I like this family and wanted to see Brady fall in love. 

Here we have Brady and Suze. Both are rodeo populars. After an accident that possibly could end Suze's career, Brady decides that he is done with loos women and wild rides. All he wants to do is help Suze get back in the saddle. Suze doesn't ever want to see Brady again, but there he is.

This had a rocky start for me but I soon could not stop reading. We get to see them hook up and it....lasted forever. I was ready for it to end. After the never-ending scene, things got entertaining. 

Loved Suze but oh.my.goodness was she a stubborn piece of work. I totally understand it once you learn about her parents you get it. Oof. 

Awwwww loved Brady too but I felt so bad for him. He tried so hard but he didn't make some good decisions. Yes, rocky start to their relationship but you can see that they are SO made for each other. It took a lot of work and a lot of talking and some external help. 

This was a complicated relationship but it was worth it. I loved watching them fall from lust, to enemies, to friends, to lovers. This was a book I couldn't put down. 

In the end, the beginning was rough but after a few pages I was able to fully connect and I didn't want to stop reading. I loved this couple even with all their millions of flaws. I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Intense

Audiobook Review: Home for Christmas by Melissa McClone

Author: Melissa McClone

Narrator: Loretta Rawlins

Title: Home for Christmas

Series: Bar V5 Dude Ranch #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Western

Format: Audiobook

Published: October 31, 2013

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon...the smells of Christmas. The smells of home.

Rachel Murphy longs for home and family. Since childhood, she's dreamed of owning her own pastry shop, but after being burned by a celebrity chef and losing her new bakery in Arizona, Rachel's spending the holidays with her brother in Montana. To keep her dream alive, she's creating custom gingerbread houses and selling them around town. All she needs is a bigger kitchen...and to stay away from her brother's handsome boss.

Former venture capitalist Nate Vaughn has embraced his inner cowboy and now runs a successful dude ranch where Rachel's brother works. Nate's commercial kitchen is perfect for Rachel's baking needs, and seeing the cute blonde's business acumen, Nate knows she'd be the perfect partner for a new venture. When he makes her an offer she can't refuse, he discovers he's interested in more than her gingerbread.

While Nate could make her dreams come true, Rachel's heart, as well as her head, tells her mixing business with anything else could be a recipe for disaster. Should she return to Arizona, and leave Nate and her new eager-for-more customers behind? Or can Nate convince her that, here with him in the mountains of Montana, she's already home? For Christmas...forever.

Review:

Christmas in March?? Sure. It's snowing outside.

Rachel has had some bad luck. Between crappy exes and ex-friends who too everything from her. She decides to visit her brother in Montana. To keep her dream alive, she's creating custom gingerbread houses and selling them around town. All she needs is a bigger kitchen...and to stay away from her brother's handsome boss. Nate wants to help Rachel succeed and keep her in town...JUST to keep his friend and co-worker to stay in Montana. However, will feelings blossom this Christmas?

This made me miss Xmas. I KNOW, I KNOW. I do want the summer sun, but I miss the Xmas feelings. This for sure does have some good Xmas nuggets. Gingerbread houses, snow, decor, small town, Xmas movie references, and hawt cowboys. Yes indeed. 

I had fun, but this seemed to drag on and on and ON. For being a novella/shorter story it seemed to take forever. Just KISS ALREADY! *shakes fist* But yes, some bits seemed slightly boring. Many scenes could've been slimmed down a bit. 

Besides for that, I liked Nate and I liked Rachel. They were adorable. I am curious about that brother of Rachel's though. He's a good egg who deserves love. Maybe book 2?

The narrator was okay. Her male voices all blended together so you for sure had to pay attention. 

All-in-all, this was very sweet. A cute couple and Xmas feelings. Fun if you need some Xmas joy. Some slow bits there, so be aware of that. 3 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Okay

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #15

- Romance Reading Challenge #11 (Xmas Setting) 

Book Review: Rafe by Kathy Ivan

Author: Kathy Ivan

Title: Rafe

Series: Texas Boudreau Brotherhood #1

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Mystery, & Western

Format: Paperback

Pages: 160

Published: April 14, 2020

Where I Got It: My Shelf (BookBub)

Summary: 

When Sheriff Rafe Boudreau catches Tessa Maxwell climbing through the window of a house where she doesn’t belong, the crime rate isn’t the only thing that spikes. Turns out, trouble has followed the small-town schoolteacher to Shiloh Springs, and Rafe and the rest of the Boudreau clan must step in to keep her safe. Can they decipher the clues and end the danger Tessa faces before time runs out?

Review:

This was a freebie I got from BookBub. I love Westerns, romances, and suspense....what could go wrong?

Here we follow Sheriff Rafe and Tessa. Rafe catches Tessa climbing through the window of a house that isn't hers. He doesn't know her so of course he is going to stop her. Turns out she is the new renter of the house and the new schoolteacher in their tiny town. However, it turns out trouble has followed Tessa and she will need all the help she can get. 

This was pretty quick and easy to read. There is some romance and suspense. Tessa is in danger and Rafe will help her. There was insta-lust, but the love took a moment, and that worked for me. 

I loved Rafe and his backstory. Poor kid, but I'm SO glad he found a loving family. 

I liked Tessa too after a bit. 

The mystery/suspense was pretty atypical, but it was entertaining. 

This was quick and entertaining. I feel like there could've been some more build-up and some more time with our characters. Honestly...I think it needed to be longer, but I liked it. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- Cloak and Dagger - #3 (Romantic Suspense/Mystery)

- Romance Reading Challenge - #3 (Romantic Suspense)

Book Review: The Indian Lawyer by James Welch

Author: James Welch

Title: The Indian Lawyer

Genre: Historical Fiction, Westerns, Mystery

Format: paperback

Pages: 350

Published: October 1, 1990

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Sylvester Yellow Calf is a former reservation basketball star, a promising young lawyer, and a possible congressional candidate. But when a parolee ensnares him in a blackmail scheme, he'll have to decide just who he is, and what he wants.

Review:

I've enjoyed others by this author and I have a goal to eventually read all his books. He is good. After buying this a while back...it just sat on my shelf for like 5 years. Whoops. Thank goodness for the TBR challenge ;)

Here we have Sylvester Yellow Calf. He was a former reservation basketball star who became a promising young lawyer and a possible congressional candidate. He really has made his way in the world. However, when a parolee ensnares him in a blackmail scheme, he'll have a challenge in front of him. He'll have to decide who he is and what he wants in life. 

I'll admit....I struggled a hair. It took longer than I thought it would to finish. This was a pretty slow narrative. Things are happening, don't get me wrong so it's not boring, but just slow. Some politics so that didn't help. And then we get to see a lot of flashbacks from a lot of characters. Lots going on but slow in building. 

Even though I struggled with the pace, I did enjoy the actual story. I liked Sylvester and I even ended up liking Patti Ann. Not sure where or when that happened, but yes, I liked her. This author really does have a way of showing the complexities of humans. It's never black and white. You get to understand our hero, of course, but our "baddies". You begin to understand all of them and feel for them all. Of course, you are rooting for the hero, but you get why our baddies are "bad". 

Soooo. The ending? I def had some questions. I had to look it up and I guess I'm not alone. It was for sure an ambiguous ending which is fine, but man.....I do love a good epilogue and finality ;) Kuddos to Sly for the decisions he made. He was a good egg. 

Overall, I did like this one. Not my favorite of this author's, but it was good. It really made me want to continue my journey into all of his works. Someday! But yes, this had excellent characters and an interesting story. Some slowness and the ending could be seen as vague but it did make me think and have questions. I'll give this 3 stars.  

Challenge(s):

- #9 TBR Pile Reading

Book Review: Cowboy Trouble by Joanne Kennedy

Author: Joanne Kennedy

Title: Cowboy Trouble

Series: Acquainted with the Night #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Western

Format: Paperback

Pages: 387

Published: March 1, 2010

Where I Got It: My shelf (Used bookstore)

Summary: 

Fleeing her latest love-life disaster, big city journalist Libby Brown's transition to rural living isn't going exactly as planned. Her childhood dream has always been to own a farm-but without the constant help of her charming, sexy cowboy neighbor, she'd never make it through her first Wyoming season.

Handsome rancher Luke Rawlins is impressed by this sassy, independent city girl, but he yearns to do more than help Libby out with her ranch. He's ready for love, and he wants to go the distance. When the two get embroiled in their tiny town's one and only crime story, Libby discovers that their sizzling hot attraction is going to complicate her life in every way possible...

Review:

I got his a while back from my local Used Bookstore. I've read a couple by this author so I figured why not?

Here we have Libby and Luke. Libby is fleeing her latest love-life disaster. She is tired of the big city and is finally carrying out her plan to live the country life. But without the aid of her cowboy neighbor, she would never survive. Like is a rancher and was immediately impressed by Libby. The two not only start catching feelings but the two of them get embroiled in their tiny town's one and only crime story. Will they be able to solve the disappearance? Will they fall in love along the way? 

Honestly....I wished this stayed just a mystery. The romance was meh to me. The mystery was really the only thing that kept me going. I HAD to know who did it. This author has a knack for mysteries!

What is it with the men of this town? Are there no women besides old ladies, the bar lady, and Libby? Lord. Pushy and needy!!!! Too much "alpha"-ness. Is it in the water? 

And all the slut-shaming was a bit much. I get it...the town is conservative and etc, but good lord.  

Was I happy that Libby and Luke finally, FINALLY got together? Eh. I feel like Libby is so flaky and Luke just follows her around like a lost puppy. Their marriage will fail. 

Now that mystery!!!??? That was good. I enjoyed it. Lots of red herrings and the big reveal was fantastic. *clap*

Maybe this should've just stayed a mystery. That was the best part. The romance? Eh. I could've done without it. Maybe a subplot would've done the story better. 

I'll give this 2 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #7 TBR Pile Reading

Book Review: Flawless by Elsie Silver

Author: Elsie Silver

Title: Flawless

Series:  Chestnut Springs #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western, Sports Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 424

Published: June 24, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

Summary: 

The rules were simple. Keep my hands off his daughter and stay out of trouble.

But now I’m stuck with her. There’s only one bed. And well, rules are made to be broken.

I’m the face of professional bull riding—the golden boy. Or at least I was, until it all blew up in my face. Now my agent says I have to clean up my image, so I’m stuck with his ball-busting daughter for the rest of the season as my “full-time supervision.”

But I don’t need a goddamn babysitter, especially one with skin-tight jeans, a sexy smirk, and a mouth she can’t stop running.

A mouth I can’t stop thinking about.

Because Summer isn’t just another conquest. She sees the man behind the mask, and she doesn’t run—she pulls me closer, even when she shouldn’t.

She says this means nothing.

I say this means everything.

She says there are boundaries we shouldn’t cross. That my reputation can’t take any more hits—and neither can her damaged heart.

I say I’m going to steal it anyway.

Review:

This was a freebie on Amazon and it seemed so perfect. Small town. Hot bad boy cowboy. Enemies-to-lovers. 

Rhett is a bad boy...a loose cannon. He was the face of professional bull riding and he was the golden boy all the ladies wanted and all the men wanted to be until he said some stuff and now he's in hot water with his sponsors. In order to help fix his image, his agent is sending in Summer. Summer will act as his babysitter and fix the damage he did. However, they will butt heads and she won't relent. Eventually, that hatred towards each other will turn into more, but that is a boundary they shouldn't cross since his reputation hangs on a thread as it is. 

Sighs. I hate Rhett. He was an ass and I wanted to kick him. Don't get me wrong, I love a good bad boy, but he was a total idiot and jerk. I kept reading because I had hope for him and I adored Summer. On paper, he gets better, but I never ever warmed up to him. He's full of shit and I don't buy it for a min. Summer deserves way better in my humble opinion. 

That being said....I had a hard time with this one. I pushed my way through it because I didn't want to give up. And then he said what he said in the hospital to her and I was so over him. However, I was nearly done with the book and I was curious to see how she would forgive him and how he would make it up to my girl. Yes, I get he said what he said because he wanted to hurt her and push her away. Still. Wtf man. 

Maybe this was a me thing? Soooooooo many people adore this book. Maybe I am a bitter old lady and Rhett didn't do it for me. 

Not sure if I will continue with series unless the next one is a freebie too. 

2 stars from me. 

  

Audiobook Review: Wild Cowboy Ways by Carolyn Brown

Author: Carolyn Brown

Narrator: Chelsea Hatfield

Title: Wild Cowboy Ways

Series: Lucky Penny Ranch #1

Genre: Western, Contemporary Romance

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 356 

Published:  December 22, 2015

Where I got It: Borrowed library

Summary: 

Allie Logan has her hands full with a bad breakup, a struggling renovation business, a sister who won’t stop flaunting her engagement ring, and a grandmother who keeps wandering off at the most inopportune times. In fact, Granny Irene’s latest habit is sneaking out to the ranch next door, where’s she’s convinced a lost love awaits. But when Allie goes to collect her, she finds instead a new neighbor—six‑foot‑plus of tall, dark, and charming.

Blake Dawson is one more thing Allie can’t deal with right now. But since he’s hired her to help repair his rundown ranch, they’re suddenly spending an awful lot of time together. And as family secrets—past and present—start to come to light, Allie finds that opening her heart might just be the fresh start her life needs.

Review:

Picked this up in my Libby app for my library. Been itching to reach a Carolyn Brown western. It's been a hot min. 

Here we follow Allie and Blake. Allie has her hands full with life after a bad marriage, a struggling renovation business, a sister who is engaged to someone who won't make her happy, and a grandma who keeps wandering off. Blake has moved in next door to try and repair a rundown old ranch and give it new life. When an old lady confuses him with an old love, he will meet Allie and who just might steal his wild, Cowboy's heart.

This was a nice one. I liked Allie and Blake. She is a tough cookie and likes working with her hands. She has her own business and can renovate pretty much anything. Blake is a hard worker too and has big dreams. They are the perfect pair. 

Gah, screw her ex. He was a sexist and needed to be kicked. 

Honestly...I wouldn't want to live in this small town as it stands. Lots of sexists (men and women) running around. Lots of bad men. Lots of bored housewives. Things seem to be getting better with women deciding to do what makes them happy...like one lady is finally going to open a Cafe! So maybe with book 2 I'll actually like this small town and the people. We'll see. But yes, I felt like this had 1800s morals that are tossed in a modern world. Mmm some parts did seem a hair over the top. 

There wasn't a crazy amount of drama. Mainly Allie battling her own demons from her ex and her bitchy sis and mom being all "HE IS A WOMANIZER AND THAT RANCH HE BOUGHT IS CURSED!". And he is/was a womanizer, but you can see him changing his ways. I'm glad the drama was pretty light. 

WHICH screw that sister of Allie's as well esp near the end when she unloaded on Allie and said some TERRIBLE and MEAN things in the name of "helping" Allie. I just wanted to kick that sister too. Let her be miserable with that preacher. Allie is a sweetie and didn't deserve that! I felt like Allie forgave her too quickly and it was uncalled for. 

The narrator was pretty good. She did well. All the men's voices sounded alike though so I had to really pay attention. 

Now, I will put a Trigger Warning for this book. It does deal with Alzheimer's/Dementia. Some scenes made me cry a bit thinking about my grandpa. 

In the end, this was a nice romance. Some drama, but you can tell it was instant-love before they even knew it. Yes, they spotted the lust but you can just tell they are perfect for each other. Some intense conservative values and some sexist folks. Things ease up, but yeah...and I am not a fan of Allie's sister who is getting a book. Mmm. I'll give this 3 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #21 for Audiobook challenge

- #15 for Romance Reading Challenge - Blue pants on cover

- #1 Library Love Audiobook Challenge

Audiobook Review: One Heart to Win by Johanna Lindsey

Author: Johanna Lindsey

Narrator: Meredith Mitchell

Title: One Heart to Win

(Callahan-Warren #1)

Genre: Historical Romance, Western

Format: Audiobook

Published: January 1st 2013

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Some young ladies marry for money and social standing, a few lucky ones marry for love, but Tiffany Warren is marrying to end a feud. Honoring her mother's promise, Tiffany reluctantly travels west to meet her estranged father and his enemy's eldest son, rancher Hunter Callahan. Once the Warrens and the Callahans are united by marriage, both clans will stop squabbling over a disputed strip of land.

In the chaos of a train robbery, Tiffany seizes a golden opportunity: By assuming the identity of her father's new housekeeper, she can live with the father she never knew and assess his true character, as well as that of the neighboring cowboy to whom she is betrothed. But, too late, Tiffany discovers that the rivalry between the Warrens and the Callahans has escalated when the Callahans steal the Warrens' housekeeper as soon as she steps off the train!

Now, Tiffany, who is pretending to be Jennifer Fleming, finds herself living in the enemy camp, under the same roof as her fiancé. All too soon she learns her intended is a handsome, sweet talking charmer whom she has to fight off because he can't keep his eyes—or his hands—off Jennifer.

After Tiffany's charade is exposed, she refuses to marry Hunter to end the feud.

As Hunter goes about claiming his rightful bride-to-be, he knows that although he loves two women—proper, elegant Tiffany as well as spunky, passionate Jennifer—he has only one heart to win.

Review:

Picked this one because 1) who doesn't love a Western Romance 2) it fits a couple reading challenges and 3) it sounds fun. 

Here we follow Tiffany Warren who was born into a family that is in the middle of a feud. She and her mother moved away from the feud when she was naught but a baby. In order to end the feud, she was promised to the oldest Callahan boy. Tiffany reluctantly travels West when she turns 18. She makes a promises her mother to at least MEET her intended and the father that she never had a chance to know or even see. She comes across the golden opportunity to meet both but under the guise of a housekeeper. Pretending to be Jennifer...she finds herself working for the enemy.

Loved the idea of it all. How crazy. BUT I feel like I would do the same if I was in her shoes. She is getting a chance to see her fiancé in his own house. 

Of course she gets exposed. She had met her brothers a few times, but never the father. So when her brothers see her....yea. You can imagine. But I did love the ruse. It was fun. Plus, I felt like it was good for her. She grew up all fancy in the city as a rich gal. Now, she has to learn to cook and clean. It for sure helped her character development. 

Now....I did have my issues with Hunter. The gal has told you NO a few times. Back off pal. He was def being pushy because she's giving mixed signals. But one...she is the help....two, she did technically say no multiple times....and three YOU ARE ENGAGED to another woman (we all know Jenny is Tiffany...but HE doesn't). Sighs. Men. HE DOES get better, but still. Too pushy for my liking here. 

I did adore Degan. Tiffany was weary of him, but he was always a gentleman. He gets his own HEA in book 2 so I'm down for that. 

UGH and I didn't like the reveal of the who feud. How did anyone want to keep up the hatred after that??? I won't say...but like get over it folks. It honestly felt overblown WHICH that is the norm for these type feuds I guess....but it still irked me. Wah. 

I liked the narrator. She did a good job with all the voices even the male ones. I never found myself confused. Yes, we have a decently large cast here. 

In the end, I did enjoy this. I had a couple big-ish issues, but I could still enjoy overall. Can't wait to start book 2! I want Degan to find loveeeee. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #5 for Audiobook challenge

- #4 for Romance Reading Challenge ('Heart' in title)

DNF - The School Mistress by Tess Thompson

Author: Tess Thompson

Title: The School Mistress

(Emerson Pass Historicals #1)

Genre: Historical Romance, Western, Christian Fiction, Chick Lit

Format: ebook

Published: April 1st 2020

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: How easily can an open heart unlock the door to happily-ever-after?

When Miss Quinn Cooper arrives in Emerson Pass, Colorado, her entire life is packed into one small suitcase. Her widowed mother and baby sister are depending upon her for their survival back home in Boston. And the self-appointed mayor of the rugged mountain community is counting on Miss Cooper to prove herself a fitful teacher for the young and old alike.

Lord Alexander Barnes is determined to bring a bit of English civility to the wild terrain of Emerson Pass. Using his own resources, the widower and father of five builds a schoolhouse and recruits a young teacher from the east to provide an education for both the adults and the children in his rapidly growing mining town. But when the lovely, and much younger than anticipated, Miss Cooper arrives to town, Lord Barnes finds himself providing more than just employment when the boarding house proves to be an unsafe accommodation for the school mistress.

As Miss Cooper takes a room in the Barnes' home, the five Barnes children are delighted. They are sure Miss Cooper is the perfect woman for their lonely father. But when a friend of the Englishman turns up dead, the hope for progress in the untamed town seems immediately lost. Can Miss Cooper and Lord Barnes bring change to the closed-minded locals? And will their endeavor open their hearts to something more?

Review:

This was a freebie on Amazon. It sounded good so I picked it up. 

Okay...so I tried. I really, really tried with this one. I wanted to like it so bad. 

After looking on Goodreads the masses seemed divided....you either love it or you hate it. I guess I fall in the latter category since I'm tossing in the towel. 

Sighs. I got about 40% done (give or take) and I couldn't read a page more. Nope. I had to DNF. WAHHH! There goes my streak!

I can look past the Christian aspects...that doesn't bug me especially since Christianity was very popular back in the day. And it wasn't preachy so I was happy with that. 

It was the characters. They were so 2D. All of them. The side characters...the main characters....all of them. 

The introduction of Lord Alexander's children had me grinding my teeth. 

This was rough. Not for me I suppose. Onto the next friends!!