Sunburst (Sky King Ranch, Book Two)

 

SUSAN MAY WARREN

Stats for my copy: Trade paperback, published 2022 by Revell.

How acquired: From Revell Reads Blogger Program.

First line: Ranger wasn’t here to get into trouble, but wow, she was pretty.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: I loved the first book in this series, SUNRISE, so much. So so much. It was set in Alaska, and Alaska was very much one of the main characters of the book, which is a testament to the author’s descriptive powers. So I was very excited to get this book.

This one is initially set in Nigeria. Ranger and his brother, Dodge, are there running reconnaissance on a terrorist camp, where the third brother, Colt, is being held, along with several other prisoners, after having been kidnapped. One of the women prisoners makes a break for it, unknowingly giving Ranger and his team the opportunity to swoop in and effect a rescue. Ranger is shocked when he realizes that woman is Noemi, who he knew several years ago.

As with Alaska, the author provides a wonderfully evocative depiction of Nigeria, from the jungles, to the food, to a traditional Nigerian wedding. Though it’s a wonder Ranger could function day to day what with the multitude of injuries he sustains along the way. But I loved him as much as I had loved Dodge in the first book, as much as I know I will love Colt when his book comes out. And Noemi was a fiercely fascinating woman, strong and independent.

The narrative was a bit more...bouncy, for lack of a better word, than I remember from the first book, especially when the point of view was Noemi’s. Which was good, it was in keeping with Noemi’s character. There were also many, many, many instances of both Noemi and Ranger recalling past conversations or comments, with those lines interspersed in italics, which got tiring, especially the lines that were constantly repeated. For instance, in the first chapter, which describes Ranger and Noemi’s first meeting and swift relationship, they agree to meet somewhere, and Ranger says “I will find you”. That line was brought back time and time again, and yes, it has significance later, but it, along with all the other instances, got tiring.

Regardless, while I think I liked SUNRISE a little better, because I already had a thing for Alaska before I read it, I loved this book. I can’t wait for SUNDOWN, the third book, and I have got to hunt down more of this author’s work.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and have voluntarily reviewed it*

Synopsis from Goodreads: When former Navy SEAL and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt, who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he knows and could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others.

And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away from their captors, he'll need Noemi's help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.

Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding--binding Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, she's discovered the real reason she was kidnapped, and anyone around her is bound to be caught in the cross fire. Including her so-called new husband.

She'll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.

Black Hat/White Hat: A Tale of Good Is Evil

 

GLENN DELLA-MONICA

Stats for my copy: Trade paperback, published 2021 by Glenn Della-Monica.

How acquired: From the author via Cozy Mystery Review Crew.

First line: This was Day One of a new era.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: The premise of this book caught my attention, and I debated whether to request it. The promise that, as the back cover copy says, “Romance between Cody and Haley ensues…” is what convinced me. We follow Alex and Lara as they explore the world of hitmen in gaming, then insert themselves into a mobster’s life and become actual hitmen, but with morals. And we follow FBI Agent Cody and Haley as they investigate a string of crimes committed against phone and internet scammers, and fall in love.

Alex and Lara are amusing as they banter with each other while punishing their hapless victims. There is plenty of action, and a lot of violence, but without being too graphic for those with weak stomachs. The contrast is well written as we are privy to both sides, the criminals and the cops. Alex and Lara put a ton of thought and detailed planning into each of their exploits, and then Cody and his team run detailed analysis of each crime scene, trying to connect dots in an effort to track down the culprits. The romance is lacking, as even the scenes that were supposed to be romantic weren’t particularly. There is not much characterization, as the two couples and everyone else are rather one note. When talking about people other than the main characters I didn’t always remember who was who.

Despite that, the story moves at a fast pace and is never boring, and there was a nice twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. If you don’t have any expectations for romance and just come along for the adventure, you’re in for a rollicking ride.

*I received a free copy of this book from the author and have voluntarily reviewed it*

Synopsis from Goodreads: Tired of endless robocalls? Victimized by ransomware attacks? Triggered one too many virus-laden spam emails?

Revenge is at hand!

Follow mob hitmen Alex and Lara Cutter as they are dispatched by a nebulous organization to visit cybercriminals around the world. But not to kill them. Alex and Lara leave them with a cell phone shoved exactly where you thought of shoving one the last time your dinner was interrupted by a spam caller.

FBI Special Agent Cody Smutters, aided by the beautiful psychologist Dr. Haley Briggs, is trying to identify the mystery pair in black. Romance between Cody and Haley ensues, but it leads to a nexus of massive proportions. Cody is read into a conspiracy between government leaders, corporate titans, mobsters, and even Black Hats temporarily turned White Hats. Is he powerless to do anything but accept it?

Right Before Your Eyes

ELLEN SHANMAN

Stats for my copy: Trade paperback, Delta, 2007.

How acquired: Bought.

First line: Had I not joined Parrot for dinner that night, everything would have been different.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: I thought this was going to be a book along the lines of what’s often referred to as “women’s fiction”. I mean the title sounds like that’s what it will be. To my surprise, it was much more along the lines of “chick lit”. Not that there’s anything wrong with that - I’ve read and enjoyed a lot of chick lit in my day, though not recently, and it’s not something I seek out these days. But I gotta tell you, I loved this.

First off, Liza’s best friend is named Parrot. I mean, how perfect is that? No explanation of how she came to be named Parrot, or even if that is indeed her given name and not a nickname, though I believe it’s the former.

Liza is your typical chick lit heroine, and yet she’s not. She’s a playwright, though she has no career yet to speak of and supports herself temping. She’s funny, self-deprecating, everything a chick lit heroine is, and yet she’s a little deeper than many. Her aunt is a famous actress, and as much as she loves and admires her aunt she’s also a little put out that her aunt has not offered to use any of her connections to help Liza’s career move along. See, she may be a playwright, but she hasn’t actually written anything that anyone has seen.

Anyway, Liza and Parrot are at a restaurant one night where their conversation catches the attention of the preppy Wall Street Ivy League guys at the next table who snicker, then invite them to a bar. Parrot latches onto one of the guys, leaving Liza standing at the curb with another, George, and anxious to get away, she slips and wrenches her ankle. George insists on taking her to the hospital, and while sitting in the waiting room they bicker and bicker, until finally Liza is called back and George leaves. And now she meets Dr. Tim. And wow, he’s just awesome, and they have some cute banter.

Since Parrot is now dating George’s friend Kirk, George and Liza occasionally cross paths, and he’s an ass and Liza hates him. He always seems to be laughing at her, and she always seems to look like an idiot in front of him. I liked Dr. Tim, I did, but the more Liza saw of George the more I looked forward to seeing him again. I’m a big fan of bickering banter, and Liza and George were both pros at that.

“Parrot told me.” “I was afraid you were inside my head.” “Not yet. I’m not going in there unarmed.”

But it’s not all about Dr. Tim and George. There’s Liza’s career, as someone finally wants to put on one of her plays, and then a reality TV show about the theater wants to focus an episode on the director and follow him through the casting process, rewrites, etc., to the opening, but things don’t go quite as Liza expects. I guess she doesn’t watch reality TV, because who in the world would thing that’s going to end well.

I’ll stop now. I realize this book isn’t for everyone, but it was definitely for me, and I’m really sad the author apparently only wrote one other book.

Synopsis from Goodreads: Outspoken playwright Liza Weiler left Yale with everything she thought she needed to make her mark on the New York stage. So why, nearly a decade later, is she answering phones in a convent, sharing an apartment with a sanctimonious museum curator, and waiting for her “real” life to finally begin? The truth is, Liza is a little too close to the specter of failure, standing in the shadows of her legendary actress aunt and firebrand best friend, Parrot, and constantly comparing herself to any number of people who just seem braver, happier, and more sure-footed than she is.

But like any great drama, Liza’s life only needs one good twist. Which is exactly what happens when she turns her ankle on the way out of a downtown nightspot and falls into the arms, nearly simultaneously, of a suspiciously gallant Wall Street prince and a practically perfect ER doc. Suddenly Liza not only has a couple of men in her life, but her play has fallen into the hands of an uber-hip theater director. All this is pointing toward a spectacular ending, but perfection isn’t Liza’s thing. So now she’s going to discover how much of a mess she can make of a seemingly good thing...and how terrifying, slightly tragic, and utterly hilarious a little success can be.

A Cowboy for Keeps (Colorado Cowboys, Book One)

 

JODI HEDLUND

Stats for my copy: Trade paperback, Bethany House, 2021.

How acquired: Bought.

First line: “Stop or we’ll shoot!”

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: I’ve read two books by Jodi Hedlund previously, COME BACK TO ME and NEVER LEAVE ME, both from her Waters of Time series, both featuring time travel, and both of which I loved. So I went searching her back log to see if she had any other time travel stories, but alas, no. However, her Colorado Cowboys series caught my eye, and since I love cowboys as much as I do time travel, I bought this one, the first book. And I think I loved it even more than the other two books.

Set in 1862, Greta and her young half-sister have been orphaned, and rely on other family members to support them. Nine year old Astrid has consumption, and Greta feels she and Astrid are a burden to her sisters-in-law, who get angry and irritated when Astrid can’t stop coughing. Rescue comes in the form of a man in Colorado, who pays the way for Greta and Astrid to travel to Fairplay, Colorado, where Greta will be his mail order bride. But things don’t go as planned. The stagecoach is robbed and she loses all of her savings, and then learns that her fiance has died, leaving her stranded in Fairplay, homeless and penniless. But the mayor has a plan. He wants to make the town more family friendly so his wife will finally be willing to join him with their child. Wyatt McQuaid needs a loan to buy cattle. So he makes a deal with Wyatt. He’ll loan him the money, if Wyatt marries Greta and starts a family.

I adored Wyatt. He’s struggling to get his fledgling ranch up and running. He wants to get to a position where he can send for his ma and his siblings to come live with him, to get them away from his cruel stepfather. He’s tried various other ventures since leaving home, and they have failed. He’s filled with guilt for not being able to protect and provide for his family. His self-esteem is low, he feels like he is a failure at everything. A wife is the last thing he needs or wants right now, but he desperately needs some good cattle. Fairplay is a mining town, and he buys cattle off the new miners when they arrive, whenever he can, but those cows are all skinny and run down, and he’s struggling to come up with money even for them. On top of all that, he has an enemy, a neighboring rancher determined to run Wyatt out of town, because he wants Wyatt’s land. He feels a little bit of guilt for not telling Greta about the deal he made with Steele, but he doesn’t know how to bring it up. She thinks he’s marrying her to be chivalrous and keep her from being homeless, because of his close friendship with her late fiance.

I loved Greta also. She’s strong and determined. She agreed to be a mail order bride and come to Colorado not just to get away from the family who didn’t want her around, but also because she hoped the climate in Colorado would be good for Astrid’s health. She intends to be a good wife and make herself useful in Wyatt’s home, and she’s surprised when he gives her and Astrid the bedroom and he sleeps in the barn. But he doesn’t want to push her into a marital relationship, and tells her he’ll wait three months, and then if she wants to leave, she can. And she agrees to that, because if Astrid’s health is not improved in those three months, she intends to take her to a hospital in Denver, even though she has no idea how she’ll pay her care.

I like the author’s writing, and her descriptions of both the beauty and the desolation of the land is evocative. I had a little trouble connecting with young Astrid at first. She’s very precocious, and if we hadn’t been told early on that she is nine years old I would’ve thought she were eleven or twelve. But eventually she won me over, just like she wins over almost everyone she meets.

But it’s the slow build up of the friendship between Wyatt and Greta that is the heart of the story. As they get to know each other, they come to admire and respect each other, and of course to eventually love each other. They respect each other so much, in fact, that it gets in the way of the relationship growing. Sometimes I wanted to say talk to each other! Share your thoughts and feelings! Don’t let each other go!

Towards the end there’s an unexpected revelation that nearly ruined everything for both of them, but of course it all comes out right in the end, and I can’t wait to find the next book in the series.

Synopsis from Goodreads: Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family with Greta. But when old insecurities and surprising revolutions arise, can a union born out of desperation survive?

Windward Crest (Harlequin Presents No. 494)

 

WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS INFORMATION THAT SOME MAY CONSIDER SPOILERS.

ANNE HAMPSON

Stats for my copy: Mass market paperback, Harlequin Books, 1982.

How acquired: Do not remember.

First line: Snow lay thick on the hills, glittering like a myriad diamonds under the light of a full moon floating in a purple sky.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: When I started this book, I was already reading a hardback that did not fit easily in my purse, so I pulled this one off the shelf to leave in my desk at work, for reading on my lunch break. But I got so caught up in it, that two days later I took it back home with me, and then sat up until 1 in the morning to finish it.

Two years after the death of her younger brother, Dominie inherits some money, and still grieving and not wishing to spend the Christmas holiday with her well meaning friends, she takes a Caribbean cruise. On the cruise she meets Jake and his two young children, Susie and Geoffrey. Jake and his wife had been separated when she passed away, and he was taking the children to his home on St. Thomas.

Fifteen pages in I was laughing out loud, while cringing slightly at the same time, over the first night’s dinner conversation. Susie mentioned “Uncle Rohan”, and Jake was explaining to Dominie that Rohan was their neighbor and close friend who adored the children.

‘He like little girls best,’ interrupted Susie. ‘He likes boys too!’ Geoffrey glared at his sister across the table. ‘Yes, he does – a bit. But he told me he likes little girls – not big ones. Only little ones.’

Not a conversation you’re likely to come across in a book in this day and age! It turns out that women have caused Rohan some pain and unhappiness, first the young strumpet who stole his dad away from his mother and then inherited his father’s fortune, then by a fiance who jilted him, and later still by a drunk woman driver who caused the accident that killed his younger sister.

Dominie enjoys spending time with Jake and the kids, and exploring the various islands together. When the ship reaches St. Thomas, Jake persuades her to come home with them for the day rather than take the excursion with the other cruise ship passengers, telling her he’ll bring her back to the ship that evening. But as luck with have it, car trouble causes them to arrive at the dock too late, and the ship has left without her. So Jake arranges a flight for her to meet up with the ship at it’s next destination, and then for some reason ship changes destinations, and he is unable to get her another flight, and convinces her to just spend the rest of her holiday with them. And then when her holiday is over, he offers her a position as the children’s nanny, and she settles in to her new happy life on St. Thomas.

In these older category romance books, the heroes are generally arrogant, dominant, demanding men, sometimes even downright cruel, and I love them. (On paper. I suspect I would not love any of them in real life.) Anyway, I did not feel that way about Rohan once Dominie met him. In fact, I disliked him very much. I very much did like Jake, on the other hand, and I found myself wishing he would be the one Dominie ended up with, despite his being considerably older and treating her in a fatherly manner. When talking to her about his marriage falling apart, he speculates over whose fault it was, saying “Perhaps it was mine. I believe women like a masterful man and I’m not that sort. I’m always afraid of hurting people. I suppose I’m not manly enough.” Dominie indignantly tells him of course he is, but, well, we know they aren’t meant to be. Not once she meets Rohan. Fortunately she later meets Erica, who loved Jake once upon a time before he married his wife, and Dominie determinedly sets out to get them together.

Like me, she dislikes Rohan very much. At first. And like me, she warmed up to him, although I never loved him as much as she came to. Maybe because of all the times he called her a silly child, or threatened to shake her, or beat her. I do believe he truly loved her though, and don’t think he would ever carry out those threats, but still.

Anyway. The course of true love never did run smooth as they say, so there were obstacles and an other woman determined to marry Rohan, and then the biggest obstacle loomed up that sent Dominie running back to England, but of course Rohan chased her down and cleared things up and they all lived happily ever after.

Synopsis from Goodreads: Dominie was delighted when an unexpected legacy enabled her to enjoy a Caribbean cruise--her first real holiday in years. But she certainly hadn't bargained on missing the boat halfway and finding herself the sudden guest of a fellow traveler. Nor had she expected the island's most eligible bachelor, Rohan de Arden, to fall in love with her. Their plans to marry were shattered when Dominie realized that an episode from her past would surely turn Rohan's love to hate.

Looking for Leroy

 

MELODY CARLSON

Stats for my copy: Trade paperback, Revell, 2022.

How acquired: From the publisher via Revell Reads.

First line: “Hey, if you want to believe in fairy-tale endings, go for it.”

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: I’ve previously read four books by Melody Carlson, but this is the first one I’ve read that was not Christmas themed. I didn’t even read the synopsis first, I saw her name, and loved the gorgeous cover, and that was all I needed to know.

I think one reason her books appeal to me is they aren’t always about young twenty-somethings. Brynna and Leroy are closer to my age. Not that I don’t mind reading about younger characters, but I guess I just appreciate a good romance with characters a little easier for me to relate to.

Brynna and Leroy had met at a summer camp the summer before college. They spent all their time together, and after camp was over they wrote letters. Until Brynna wrote Leroy that she wasn’t going to write to him again. Now, some thirty years later, Brynna is an elementary school teacher, and divorced. One of her colleagues has planned a camping trip, and talks Brynna into joining her. Where do they end up the first night? At the same camp where Brynna met Leroy. As those memories come back she tells her friend, Jan, and Mike, who they meet at the camp, about Leroy, and Jan and Mike decide that Brynna needs to look for him.

Throughout the entire book, I pictured Leroy as Mark Harmon. You know, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. (From NCIS, for those of you who don’t know.) He’s a widower now, running the family vineyard with two of his daughters and his son-in-law. The story really got going when Brynna arrived at the vineyard, and found herself agreeing to take a job in the office, as Bree. That whole situation was almost a little ridiculous, but I still loved it. And loved Sophie, the daughter who hires her. They develop a wonderful friendship, and watching that happen was heartwarming. Since Brynna used her nickname with Sophie, and still carries her married name, Leroy, having only seen her from a distance so far, has no idea who she really is. It was amusing watching Brynna avoid him, though I began to wonder if their paths would ever actually cross!

Brynna and Leroy were both wonderfully written characters, as were Leroy’s daughters, especially Sophie. I saw a couple of reviews that described Brynna as being easily led or not having a mind of her own, but I disagree. Yes, her friends did push her into searching for Leroy, and pushed her not to give up, but when she truly did want to just give up, they supported her. And then she doesn’t give up, and I think she was actually very courageous to stay at the vineyard in the office job and face Leroy. If I were in her position, I don’t think I would have had the guts. Actually, I don’t think Jan could have even talked me into going on the camping trip with her in the first place!

The ending was, of course, a little predictable, as well as a bit abrupt, but the journey there is what matters, and it was an immensely enjoyable journey.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and have voluntarily reviewed it*

Synopsis from Goodreads: It's official: Brynna Phillips is done with men. They only break your heart. But just when she makes this declaration, her friend Jan convinces Brynna to join her on a camping vacation in Sonoma Wine Country. As they wind their way toward their destination, spanking-new mini camper in tow, Brynna recalls her teenage camp romance with a boy named Leroy. How can it have been nearly 30 years ago? All she remembers is that Leroy was a genuinely good guy and that his family owned a vineyard--in Sonoma. She doesn't even remember his last name. Jan insists they look for him, and the search begins.

Beyond the slim chance they'd ever be able to find him are questions that have haunted Brynna for decades, including What is the point of digging up the past? and Can Leroy ever forgive me for losing touch?

Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you on a trip to rediscover the carefree days of youth and, just maybe, to get a second chance at love.

A Country Kind of Love (Huckleberry Ridge, Book One)

 

K.T. RAINE

Stats for my copy: Kindle edition, 2022.

How acquired: From the author via BookSirens.

First line: “Take the next left,” Cody commanded, pointing for emphasis, his tone making it clear just how much the ten year old relished calling the shots.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: I loved the previous book I read by this author (HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL), so I was excited to see this one available on BookSirens. I requested it immediately, and then I forced myself to finish the books I was already reading before starting this one. It was worth the wait.

The story opens with CeCe and her ten year old son, Cody, arriving in Huckleberry Ridge, where they are moving into a rented duplex. We quickly learn that CeCe is running from something, but we don’t know who or what. Cody is not thrilled about the move, but CeCe is hopeful that they can have a good life in this small town. She’s a little nonplussed when she meets her landlord, Shane, and realizes that he is a cop, and that he lives in the other half of the duplex. At least he’s nice to look at!

Shane has his own baggage. He’s a widow, still missing his wife and gently wallowing in guilt over her death. He’s attracted to CeCe, but as far as a relationship, he’s a bit in stasis. Meanwhile, his son, Dillon, and Cody become best buds right away.

When I reviewed HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL, I wrote “This is a breezy, fun and heartwarming story, with well written characters…”. I hate to repeat myself, but that description also fits this book perfectly. I loved CeCe, and I really loved Shane. A law enforcement hero is one of my catnips. While fear has driven CeCe to move 400 miles across the state, she is still strong and resourceful, determined to protect her son and create a good life for him, for both of them. Looking out his window shortly after CeCe arrives, Shane sees her look at her phone and can tell from her body language that she’s upset or afraid. He doesn’t know if she’s in danger, or if she’s on the run, but his protective instincts come out. When her car has a flat tire, he wants to hurry over and help her change it, but he forces himself to stand on his porch with his coffee, strike up some conversation, and wait for her to ask for his help.

Did she know how to change a tire? Based on the majority of stranded female motorists he stopped to help, the odds were about 80/20 against her. It was actually one of the most rewarding parts of his job, the look of relief on a woman’s face when he pulled up in the Tahoe, something about the uniform eliciting trust. It was a lot more satisfying than busting bad guys.

I mean, who wouldn’t love Shane?! I enjoyed watching them get to know each other, and how happy Cody seemed as he hung out with Dillon instead of staying inside with video games, and how Shane’s family, who all live right there in the same little area, welcomed CeCe and Cody into their community. Oh, and CeCe sitting on her back porch talking over the fence to Shane’s sheep!

A sweet, sometimes emotional, story that kept me enthralled from beginning to end. I hope there will be many more books in the Huckleberry Ridge series.

*I received a free copy of this book from the author via BookSirens and have voluntarily reviewed it*

Synopsis from Goodreads: After single mom and reporter, CeCe Bixby, has her name leaked in connection with a dangerously controversial story, she and her young son flee 400 miles from Boise to small town Huckleberry Ridge, Idaho for a fresh start.

But life’s never simple, and CeCe is dismayed to find her troubles have followed her. Help may come in the form of her handsome, state-trooper landlord, Shane Wickham, and his surprisingly supportive family. But does she dare share the truth with him?