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I had not previously read any books in the Navy SEAL Cowboy series, but I think I may need to go pick them up ASAP. The men and women of Revival Ranch are a close-knit group of friends that have become family. But Gabe Cortez holds himself apart emotionally. He has never really let anyone get close, and he doesn't plan on letting the first one to do so be the ranch's therapist Monica Finley.
Monica and Gabe's relationship was incredibly emotional. Both had to let go of things in their past in order to open their hearts. But it isn't easy, and there is Monica's son, Colin, to factor into any relationship equation as well. I really enjoyed how Gabe opened up to Colin and became a part of his life - long before he actually opened up to Monica.
I'm not always a fan of the "snowed in and we fell in love" scene, but these two were in love long before they got snowed in. Nature just forced to the face it - and it didn't go exactly as nature planned. But that's how life is, and this is a romance that wasn't all happy sunshine. There were some not-so-happy moments that really gave the characters depth.
I know this happened over the holidays and all, but it seemed like the ranch wasn't doing what it was built to do. There were no guests or patients, and the only people you really got to see were the staff members (which I'm assuming were couples from the previous books). While they were great characters and a good driving force to help push these two reluctant lovers together, I wonder how and when they manage to help service members when no one seems to be there for it.
*I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book*
Monica and Gabe's relationship was incredibly emotional. Both had to let go of things in their past in order to open their hearts. But it isn't easy, and there is Monica's son, Colin, to factor into any relationship equation as well. I really enjoyed how Gabe opened up to Colin and became a part of his life - long before he actually opened up to Monica.
I'm not always a fan of the "snowed in and we fell in love" scene, but these two were in love long before they got snowed in. Nature just forced to the face it - and it didn't go exactly as nature planned. But that's how life is, and this is a romance that wasn't all happy sunshine. There were some not-so-happy moments that really gave the characters depth.
I know this happened over the holidays and all, but it seemed like the ranch wasn't doing what it was built to do. There were no guests or patients, and the only people you really got to see were the staff members (which I'm assuming were couples from the previous books). While they were great characters and a good driving force to help push these two reluctant lovers together, I wonder how and when they manage to help service members when no one seems to be there for it.
*I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book*
I have really enjoyed books by Sharon Sala in the past, but this one just didn't work as well for me. The beginning starts off with a high-adrenaline fire at the store Aiden's father runs. And so begins a very sad and upsetting story as the fire spreads to kill he girlfriend's father in the shop next door. While this was a horrible tragedy, the fallout of the town's emotions set the stage and conflict between our couple in such a detailed way that made me feel so much for these two.
But then we get back to "now" and things didn't go as well as I had hoped. While I'm not a huge fan of the secret-baby, there are times that it is both appropriate and believable that will not lead me to dislike the heroine. Unfortunately, this book did not do well in that area. Not only did Phoebe not tell Aiden about her son (for 19 years), but the whole town knew, including his grandfather, and no one seemed to think it might be a good thing to let him know. I instantly disliked all of them. That is not a cool thing to do to someone.
Aiden's reaction to finding out about his son, Lee, was a very underplayed. I wanted him to go through the stages of grief and anger. He lost an entire childhood with his son, and he seemed to just be a little annoyed about it. Lee also didn't quite act like I expected a nineteen-year-old to. I kept thinking that he was much younger because of the phrases he used and some of his behaviors.
There were some really good spots woven amongst this, and if you enjoy the secret-baby stories, then this will be a great read for you. The mystery of who set the fire threads through the story, and I enjoyed how it came to its conclusion and the way the town reacted once the truth finally came out.
*I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book*
But then we get back to "now" and things didn't go as well as I had hoped. While I'm not a huge fan of the secret-baby, there are times that it is both appropriate and believable that will not lead me to dislike the heroine. Unfortunately, this book did not do well in that area. Not only did Phoebe not tell Aiden about her son (for 19 years), but the whole town knew, including his grandfather, and no one seemed to think it might be a good thing to let him know. I instantly disliked all of them. That is not a cool thing to do to someone.
Aiden's reaction to finding out about his son, Lee, was a very underplayed. I wanted him to go through the stages of grief and anger. He lost an entire childhood with his son, and he seemed to just be a little annoyed about it. Lee also didn't quite act like I expected a nineteen-year-old to. I kept thinking that he was much younger because of the phrases he used and some of his behaviors.
There were some really good spots woven amongst this, and if you enjoy the secret-baby stories, then this will be a great read for you. The mystery of who set the fire threads through the story, and I enjoyed how it came to its conclusion and the way the town reacted once the truth finally came out.
*I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book*
The Christmas Wishing Tree is a great romance. I fell in love with the town of Eternity Springs, Devin Murphy, and Celeste Blessings. When Celeste gives Devin a replacement cell phone for one that is broken, the story begins with a call from a little boy looking for Santa. This call is what takes Devin on a long and interesting trip to connecting with Devin's mother, Jenna. A connection that is in danger of being ripped away when she comes under attack from several deadly "pranks."
The relationship was really great for me because it didn't happen overnight. Devin and Jenna circled each other for a long time before finally reconnecting on accident one summer in Eternity Springs. But Jenna is on the run, and Devin doesn't know if he wants to settle down. They are both adults thought, which was a great thing because there was no needless drama or arguing.
The one thing I was disappointed in was the resolution to the deadly prankster. It is such a driving force throughout the whole book, and then it just goes away in the span of a couple pages. Yes, it is resolved, but I didn't feel like it was given the attention it really needed.
*I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book*
The relationship was really great for me because it didn't happen overnight. Devin and Jenna circled each other for a long time before finally reconnecting on accident one summer in Eternity Springs. But Jenna is on the run, and Devin doesn't know if he wants to settle down. They are both adults thought, which was a great thing because there was no needless drama or arguing.
The one thing I was disappointed in was the resolution to the deadly prankster. It is such a driving force throughout the whole book, and then it just goes away in the span of a couple pages. Yes, it is resolved, but I didn't feel like it was given the attention it really needed.
*I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book*
The Atlantis Rising series was and quick series that caught me up right from the beginning - I just wanted to see more and more. Alison is different from the rest of the world. She has always felt it, but in the first part of the book we find out why she really is. As Alison discovers more about who and what she is, the reader is introduced to the concept of dewings. Magical beings that are each blessed with their own special skill. Alison's skill is one that is highly sought after and easily abused.
Alison is introduced to the society and put under protection so the "bad guys" can't take her and force her to misuse her dewing ability. Along the way, she will have to choose between trying to lead a normal life and putting her "normal" family at risk or walk away to join her new dewing family and helping them bring the diverse and often combative dewing communities together.
There are hints of romance, a lot of political-style intrigues, family drama, and heartache. It was an interesting story with a few slow moments. A lot of build up that sometimes let me down once we got to the end of it all. But there are two more books, and I can't wait to see where the drama is heading.
**I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book**
Alison is introduced to the society and put under protection so the "bad guys" can't take her and force her to misuse her dewing ability. Along the way, she will have to choose between trying to lead a normal life and putting her "normal" family at risk or walk away to join her new dewing family and helping them bring the diverse and often combative dewing communities together.
There are hints of romance, a lot of political-style intrigues, family drama, and heartache. It was an interesting story with a few slow moments. A lot of build up that sometimes let me down once we got to the end of it all. But there are two more books, and I can't wait to see where the drama is heading.
**I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book**
The finale of the Atlantis Rising series brings Alison a meeting of the clan chiefs to take her seat as one of them. The lies and intrigue are only just beginning, and those odd little friends and alliances made in book two will become very important as new plots begin to unfold around them.
Atlantians and humans were not meant to mix, and strange and horrible things can happen when they do. But they may be the only way to bring back the Atlantean race from the brink of extinction.
There is a lot of political maneuvering in this one. And you need to pay close attention to all the little details, every word that people are saying, and everything they aren't saying. As Alison pulls apart the pieces of this new plot, with the help of friends old and new, we see a new dewing culture rising. I loved this ending, and felt that it was a great way to wrap up the series.
Atlantians and humans were not meant to mix, and strange and horrible things can happen when they do. But they may be the only way to bring back the Atlantean race from the brink of extinction.
There is a lot of political maneuvering in this one. And you need to pay close attention to all the little details, every word that people are saying, and everything they aren't saying. As Alison pulls apart the pieces of this new plot, with the help of friends old and new, we see a new dewing culture rising. I loved this ending, and felt that it was a great way to wrap up the series.
Love's Journey is a great introduction to Sweet Grove. When Elizabeth Morris buys the orchards on a bit of a whim - she just falls in love with the place the first time she sees it - she isn't quite prepared for the amount of work and learning she will need to tackle to keep the orchard running. But she is a determined woman. Determined to keep the orchard running and make a home for herself.
Jonathan Bryant was born and raised on Sweet Grove and would like nothing more than to have it back in his family. Once he realizes that Elizabeth is in this for the long haul, he agrees to help her and teach her everything he knows about apples - which is quite a bit. Working so closely together, it's no surprise that these two hard-working people begin to fall in love.
There is still some distrust lurking in the background and a near disaster at the orchard raise some hurdles they will need to overcome. There is also the issue of Elizabeth's missing sister, which lingers in the background throughout the story. Even though we learn the history along with Jonathan, it seems a bit incomplete, as does much of Elizabeth's history. It was glossed over in the beginning, and then when she opens up about it, it just doesn't have the emotional impact I thought it could have.
There is a religious aspect to the story, and while it was very present, it was just a part of the story and the characters - which is how religion should be. This wasn't a "preachy" story in any way. I think I'd really enjoy taking another trip back to Sweet Grove and seeing how this budding community grows and flourishes.
**I voluntarily reviewed a free digital copy of this book**
Jonathan Bryant was born and raised on Sweet Grove and would like nothing more than to have it back in his family. Once he realizes that Elizabeth is in this for the long haul, he agrees to help her and teach her everything he knows about apples - which is quite a bit. Working so closely together, it's no surprise that these two hard-working people begin to fall in love.
There is still some distrust lurking in the background and a near disaster at the orchard raise some hurdles they will need to overcome. There is also the issue of Elizabeth's missing sister, which lingers in the background throughout the story. Even though we learn the history along with Jonathan, it seems a bit incomplete, as does much of Elizabeth's history. It was glossed over in the beginning, and then when she opens up about it, it just doesn't have the emotional impact I thought it could have.
There is a religious aspect to the story, and while it was very present, it was just a part of the story and the characters - which is how religion should be. This wasn't a "preachy" story in any way. I think I'd really enjoy taking another trip back to Sweet Grove and seeing how this budding community grows and flourishes.
**I voluntarily reviewed a free digital copy of this book**
Finch and Sarah are a great couple. Both are hiding from what they see as mistakes in their past. When they first meet they are super hesitant about each other. Neither one willing to really open up about anything. But when Finch's long-lost relative, Eleanor, a resident at the rest home Sarah works at, drags them into a mystery almost as old as she is, they are thrown together trying to fix mistakes from Eleanor's past.
A lot of this story seemed to revolve around past mistakes and guilt, sometimes well-founded, but not always. As Finch and Sarah team up to solve the mystery, they grow close and learn to lean on each other, opening up about their pasts and coming to terms with their so-called mistakes.
Sarah's emotional support dog, Lucky, was present but didn't overtake the story. He was there to do his job and helped to highlight Sarah's progress with her emotional issues. He made a great secondary character that I got to know and love, but I was very glad that he wasn't used in a way that overshadowed the brewing romance and sleuthing.
Saving Sarah was a great introduction to The Gold Coast Retrievers series, and I look forward to seeing more of the Retrievers and their people.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book*
A lot of this story seemed to revolve around past mistakes and guilt, sometimes well-founded, but not always. As Finch and Sarah team up to solve the mystery, they grow close and learn to lean on each other, opening up about their pasts and coming to terms with their so-called mistakes.
Sarah's emotional support dog, Lucky, was present but didn't overtake the story. He was there to do his job and helped to highlight Sarah's progress with her emotional issues. He made a great secondary character that I got to know and love, but I was very glad that he wasn't used in a way that overshadowed the brewing romance and sleuthing.
Saving Sarah was a great introduction to The Gold Coast Retrievers series, and I look forward to seeing more of the Retrievers and their people.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book*
A sanitation worker named Garry is found murdered in an alleyway. His supervisor Anna decides that the police aren't doing enough and begins to investigate on her own. A few days later another body is found...then another...and another. The killer is nicknamed the "Mews Murderer" and the police seem to be chasing their own tails as Anna tries everything she can to discover who the killer is before they can strike again.
To start with, I have to say that I loved the character of Anna. She was intelligent and thought through the facts coming up with some interesting points of view...some of which lead her the right direction and which lead her away. Her cop boyfriend, however, seemed to be in the story only as a way for her to get into the crime scenes. It would have been nice to see more from him, he seemed to have a lot of potential that was never used.
The mystery itself was well laid out and presented. I managed to guess the murderer early on, but I think it was just a lucky guess. We follow Anna as she interviews persons of interest and looks for clues. There were a few spots where the dialog was a little choppy or drawn out as she was asking people the same questions one after another.
Even though I had somehow managed to guess the culprit, the reasons behind his actions do not become clear until the very end. The story wrapped up very suddenly, and I would have liked to see it take more than just a couple pages. I was a bit rushed for my taste.
Overall, the book was very enjoyable and I had a hard time putting it down. If you are a mystery fan you will enjoy the story.
3/5
To start with, I have to say that I loved the character of Anna. She was intelligent and thought through the facts coming up with some interesting points of view...some of which lead her the right direction and which lead her away. Her cop boyfriend, however, seemed to be in the story only as a way for her to get into the crime scenes. It would have been nice to see more from him, he seemed to have a lot of potential that was never used.
The mystery itself was well laid out and presented. I managed to guess the murderer early on, but I think it was just a lucky guess. We follow Anna as she interviews persons of interest and looks for clues. There were a few spots where the dialog was a little choppy or drawn out as she was asking people the same questions one after another.
Even though I had somehow managed to guess the culprit, the reasons behind his actions do not become clear until the very end. The story wrapped up very suddenly, and I would have liked to see it take more than just a couple pages. I was a bit rushed for my taste.
Overall, the book was very enjoyable and I had a hard time putting it down. If you are a mystery fan you will enjoy the story.
3/5