ARC Review: Wild Horse Springs

Wild Horse Springs
Jodi Thomas
Contemporary Romance
Ransom Canyon/Book 5
Harlequin Books/January 24, 2017

In the heart of Ransom Canyon, sometimes the right match for a lonely soul is the one you least expect. 

Dan Brigman may not lead the most exciting life, but he's proud of what he's achieved: he's a respected lawman, and he's raised a bright, talented daughter on his own. But finding a lone, sparkly blue boot in the middle of a deserted highway gets him thinking maybe the cowgirl who lost it is exactly the shake-up he needs.

After losing her baby girl, Brandi Malone felt like her soul died along with her daughter. Now singing in small-town bars to make ends meet, she's fine being a drifter until a handsome sheriff makes her believe that parking her boots under his bed is a better option.

College grad Lauren Brigman has just struck out on her own in downtown Dallas when a troubling phone call leads her back home to Crossroads. Her hometown represents her family, friends and deepest hopes, but also her first love, Lucas Reyes. Will Lauren's homecoming be another heartbreak, or a second chance for her and Lucas?

I've said it before, reading Ms. Thomas' stories are like coming home. They are filled with wonderful characters who feel like family and good friends the more you read about them. The newest addition to the Ransom Canyon series is no different. Wild Horse Springs catches up with some familiar characters while introducing a few new ones as well.

As previous novels in the series did, Wild Horse Springs doesn't solely focus on one story line but starts new plots as well as following up with established story lines. Some plots grab my attention more than others but I always leave satisfied when I am finished.

Sheriff Dan Brigman has been there since the beginning. He's been a stable, intelligent figure lending his control and experience to help his community. Sheriff Dan enjoys his life, even if it is rather predicable. Then he makes one small change and he could not have predicted the effect it would have on his life. I liked seeing Dan, in essence, come out of his shell. We get to see more of the man behind the lawman.  And this is a romance so it's no surprise the change in Dan's life is caused by a woman.

Leaving your old life behind and starting fresh somewhere else. It's a romantic notion, one many of us have most likely had at one time or another. But the romance ends when that leaving is brought about by tragedy. This is the case for Brandi Malone. Brandi is running from her tragedy but it continues to follow her. She has no desire to settle in any one place so she keeps moving. Then she meets a man with a boot, her boot.

I loved how Dan and Brandi's meeting came about. How Dan envisioned what the owner of the boot might be like. And how pleased he was when he met Brandi. I did like their romance but at the same time, I found myself more drawn to what was happening between Lauren, Tim and Lucas. Or perhaps I should say what might happen with Lauren and Lucas. Their intertwined relationships have been going on for so long, it is almost as if they will never be fully resolved. But... I have hope that the next book will have Lauren and Lucas back together. Please.

Thatcher Jones. Just saying his name makes me smile. He's such a likable character. I dare you not to like him. He has this way of speaking his mind that is so refreshing. His outlook on life is different from the other characters because of his rough upbringing.  Thatcher has this solemness about him. He has such a strong sense of right and wrong. For all his "country boy" charms, he also has this air of nobility. I can't wait to see more of Thatcher in future books.

And then there's Cody Winslow. He lives on the edge. On the edge of town and on the edge of life. He is rescued from his lonely existence by some of the most unlikely heroines. Yes, that's heroines, plural. Cody's life is turned upside down and inside out. And it turns out, he's okay with that. This romance was such a treasure to read. The characters of Cody and Tess are an entertaining mix of lonesome cowboy and take charge park ranger. I loved how their relationship started with Tessa saving Cody and basically taking over his life. While Cody is busy feeding the local gossip mill. Things get a little out of control but Cody and Tess work it all out and give the town even more to talk about.

Wild Horse Springs is small town romance set in a charming town with enjoyable characters that leave the reader wanting to come back for more.

Rating: B+

Ransom Canyon ~

Winter Camp (novella)
Ransom Canyon
Rustler's Moon
Lone Heart Pass
Sunrise Crossing
Wild Horse Springs

ARC Review: Sunrise Crossing

Sunrise Crossing
Jodi Thomas
Contemporary Romance
Ransom Canyon/Book 4
Harlequin/August 30, 2016

Yancy Grey is slowly putting his life back together after serving time for petty theft. As he rebuilds an old house, he finally has a sense of stability, but he can't stop thinking of himself as just an ex-con. Until one night, he finds a mysterious dark-haired beauty hiding in his loft. But who is she, and what secret is she protecting? 

The art gallery Parker Lacey manages is her life—she has no time for friends, and certainly not lovers. But when her star artist begs Parker for help, she finds herself in a pickup truck, headed for the sleepy town of Crossroads. A truck driven by a strong, silent cowboy… 

Gabe Snow has been a drifter since he left Crossroads at seventeen after a violent incident. When he accepts a job in his hometown, he'll have to decide whether he can put the worst night of his life behind him and build a future in the community that raised him.

I love this series! Every time I visit Crossroads, Texas it's like going home. It is that welcoming feeling you get when you know you can simply relax and enjoy yourself. No stress, no worries, just sitting back and taking in the goings on. That is how Ms. Thomas' stories make me feel. 

Yancey Grey has been a character since the first book. I was pleased to see he was getting his own story since I have been curious about him and his background. More as the series progressed. He is a different hero, having been in prison and now trying to live his life so he can be proud of himself. He's become a familiar face in Crossroads and has many friends. He's an easy character to like and Ms. Thomas did well in creating his backstory. His romance is a slow burn beginning with friendship, companionship and then leading to romance. I loved it!

Parker Lacey is in love with her life but she also feels there is something missing. She can't figure out what, then she travels to Crossroads and meets a grumpy, sexy cowboy who seems to be her complete opposite. But it turns out in their case opposites do attract. Parker and her cowboy have a romance of physical attraction but it leads to a more deeper friendship and love. It was fun to see the quiet, sometimes cranky cowboy come around to not only enjoying spending time with Parker but needing to spend time with her. This was a romance between two people who have lived through some hard times and are used to depending on themselves. You could say they were both loners in a way. I liked seeing how they turned that into a couple who learned to depend on each other. 

A trip to Crossroads wouldn't be complete with a some suspense, danger and a little mystery. Ms. Thomas knows how to blend all these things together, along with the romance, to make a beautiful story that draws the reader in and makes you believe these people and this place truly exists. 

Rating: A

Ransom Canyon Series 

Winter's Camp (novella)
Ransom Canyon
Rustler's Moon
Lone Heart Pass
Sunrise Crossing

This Week's New Releases

August is almost over and it is going out with a bang! So many new releases this week - how on earth will I ever catch up on my reading? Well, I'm ready if the Zombie Apocalypse ever happens. I can survive with my Gardetto's and my TBR pile. :)

I've been looking forward to this one. I've truly enjoyed the previous books in this series (can't believe I'm actually current!) Can't wait to see how Denys and Lola find their Happy Ever After.

No Mistress of Mine
Laura Lee Gurhke
Historical Romance
An American Heiress in London/Book 4

After spending his youth as one of the wildest rakes in the ton, Lord Denys Somerton has devoted the past six years to putting his past behind him. He is determined to fulfill his duties, find a suitable wife, and start a family, but that plan changes when Lola Valentine—the red-haired temptress from his past—returns to London, sparking the same irresistible desires that almost ruined his life once before.

Lola is a woman with no romantic illusions. She knew love would never be enough for a British lord and an American girl from the wrong side of the tracks. For Denys’s sake, she walked away from him and the glittering life he offered. But when an unexpected inheritance brings her back to London, Lola discovers the passion between them is as hot as ever. Can they vanquish it, or will it burn out of control again and destroy them both?

I have not read anything by Emma Cane but I like the blurb and the hero is a professor and an author. Not the most common of hero occupations. Could be interesting!

At Fairfield Orchard
Emma Cane
Contemporary Romance
Fairfield Orchard Series/Book 1

For Amy Fairfield, the family orchard is more than a business. With its blossom-scented air and rows of trees framed by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s her heritage and her future. But right now, it’s also a headache. Putting a painful breakup behind her, Amy has come home to help revitalize Fairfield Orchard. She doesn’t have time for the handsome—distracting—professor who wants to dig into her family’s history for his research.

Jonathan Gebhart knows he needs the Fairfields’ cooperation to make his new book a success. As for Amy—nothing in his years of academia could have prepared him for their sudden and intense attraction. He doesn’t want to complicate her life further, especially since she seems uneasy about his poking around in the past and he knows he’s not the sort of man built for forever. But some sparks can’t help but grow, and Jonathan and Amy may just learn that unexpected love can be the sweetest of all.

I couldn't help but laugh after reading the first sentence of the blurb. It sounds like something that might happen to me, except I'd go into anaphylactic shock since I'm allergic to almost everything. I do like the cover - it has a festive look to it. I imagine this will be a "feel good" romance. Something we can all use.

Run to You
Rachel Lacey
Contemporary Romance
Risking it All Series/Book 1

ONE LITTLE LIE. A WHOLE LOTTA TROUBLE.

Moments after meeting the most gorgeous guy ever, Gabby Winters promptly gets stung by a zillion yellowjackets and falls-not gracefully-into a stream. Yup, Ethan Hunter is trouble with a capital "hot," and Gabby definitely needs to keep her distance. Except in the small town of Haven, there's nowhere to hide from Ethan's sexy, infectious grin . . . and all the residents are conspiring against her.

At the center of the town's matchmaking is Ethan's grandmother, who's convinced their relationship is a done deal. Rather than break her heart, Gabby and Ethan find themselves cornered into pretending to be falling in love. The problem: there's serious sizzling attraction between them. And if this charade continues, they won't fool just the entire town - they might fool themselves too . . .

I've been enjoying this series from the beginning and eagerly waiting for Yancy's story. The wait is over! And the cover - like this one too! It's so pretty!

Sunrise Crossing
Jodi Thomas
Contemporary Romance
Ransom Canyon Series/Book 4

Yancy Grey is slowly putting his life back together after serving time for petty theft. As he rebuilds an old house, he finally has a sense of stability, but he can't stop thinking of himself as just an ex-con. Until one night, he finds a mysterious dark-haired beauty hiding in his loft. But who is she, and what secret is she protecting?

The art gallery Parker Lacey manages is her life—she has no time for friends, and certainly not lovers. But when her star artist begs Parker for help, she finds herself in a pickup truck, headed for the sleepy town of Crossroads. A truck driven by a strong, silent cowboy…

Gabe Snow has been a drifter since he left Crossroads at seventeen after a violent incident. When he accepts a job in his hometown, he'll have to decide whether he can put the worst night of his life behind him and build a future in the community that raised him.

I've read the first book, which is a novella, have the first complete book on the TBR pile so of course I'll be getting this one. I like this author's writing style -funny, sexy and with just the right amount of snarky humor!

For Better or Worse
Lauren Layne
Contemporary Romance
Wedding Belles Series/Book 2

When small-town girl Heather Fowler finally gets promoted from assistant to actual wedding planner, she’s determined to make it as one of Manhattan’s elite Wedding Belles. Unfortunately, her first client demands an opulent black-tie affair at the Plaza…in five months’ time. Heather’s days quickly become a flurry of cake tastings, dress-fittings, RSVP cards, and bridal tantrums. But what she’s really losing sleep over is the live music blaring from her playboy neighbor’s apartment all night.

Five years ago, Josh Tanner was an up-and-comer on Wall Street, complete with the penthouse and the migraines. But a grim cancer diagnosis made him realize there is more to life than the corner office. If only he could convince his pretty, workaholic neighbor to let loose, too. As Heather lets down her guard, Josh is surprised when he starts falling for the sweet, vulnerable woman hiding beneath those power suits. Soon, it’s Heather’s turn to convince Josh to take the biggest risk of all: love.

New-to-me author with the first in a series. Small town romance between a former NFL player and a high school physical therapist. Didn't know high school football teams had physical therapists. Interesting...

Winner Takes All
Erin Kern
Contemporary Romance
Champion Valley Series/Book 1

THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Money. Fame. Endorsements. Blake Carpenter had it all—before his professional football career spiraled out of control. Determined to rebuild his life, he takes on coaching the high school team in his Colorado hometown. Despite a few fumbles, Blake knows he can lead these boys to victory. As long as he can keep his eyes on the prize and off the team's distractingly gorgeous physical therapist.

Annabelle Turner knows all about the scandal that cost Blake his NFL career, and she'll be damned if she's going to let mistakes hurt her team. What she doesn't count on is the intense attraction that turns every heated run-in they have into a wildly erotic competition. Point by point, play by play, kiss by kiss, they try to keep things professional for the good of the team. But when the score is this close—and the passion this fierce—it's anybody's game...

Absolutely, positively LOVED the first book, An Ember in the Ashes and I've been waiting impatiently for this one! You must read the first book before this one.


***SPOILERS*** in the blurb if you have not read the first book.

A Torch Against the Night
Sabaa Tahir
Fantasy/Young Adult
An Ember in the Ashes Series/Book 2

Elias and Laia are running for their lives.
After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire.

Laia is determined to break into Kauf - the Empire's most secure and dangerous prison - to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars' survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.

But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene - Elias's former friend and the Empire's newest Blood Shrike.

Bound to Marcus's will, Helene faces a torturous mission of her own - one that might destroy her: find the traitor Elias Veturius and the Scholar slave who helped him escape... and kill them both.

ARC Review: Lone Heart Pass

Lone Heart Pass
Jodi Thomas
Contemporary Romance
Ransom Canyon/Book 3
HQN/April 26, 2016

Where family bonds are made and broken, and where young love sparks as old flames grow dim, Ransom Canyon is ready to welcome—and shelter—those who need it 

With a career and a relationship in ruins, Jubilee Hamilton is left reeling from a fast fall to the bottom. The run-down Texas farm she's inherited is a far cry from the second chance she hoped for, but it and the abrasive foreman she's forced to hire are all she's got. 

Every time Charley Collins has let a woman get close, he's been burned. So Lone Heart ranch and the contrary woman who owns it are merely a means to an end, until Jubilee tempts him to take another risk—to stop resisting the attraction drawing them together despite all his hard-learned logic. 

Desperation is all young Thatcher Jones knows. And when he finds himself mixed up in a murder investigation, his only protection is the shelter of a man and woman who—just like him—need someone to trust.

The third full length novel in Jodi Thomas' Ransom Canyon series is about second chances and starting over. It's a theme I always enjoy and this time is no different. The surprise inheritance sparks all kinds of fantasies. Who wouldn't be thrilled finding out you've inherited property? And when it's a place that holds wonderful memories, that's the icing on the cake. 

For Jubilee Hamilton, her inheritance comes at a most opportune time. She is unemployed with nothing and no one to keep her in Washington D.C.  Her job was her world, even though she had a live-in boyfriend. It's that focus that leaves her alone and more than willing to head to Texas for a new start.  Jubilee is very likable which may come as a surprise because she is not what I would call a "people person" except where it relates to her former job. But she is learning to be more open which is an enjoyable journey to take with her. 

Charley Collins is, thankfully, nothing like his younger brother Reid. Charley hasn't had the easiest of times in his fairly short life. He is, in part, responsible for his current situation and thankfully he doesn't whine about his life but takes responsibility for it. He has also learned from his mistakes which shows his maturity. After finding out what has happened in his short life, he's twenty-five, I was happy to find he wasn't a complainer but instead a hard worker and truly a decent person. Definitely hero material!

The relationship between Jubilee and Charley is an odd one. He's the hired help and she's a little clueless as to how to run a ranch. Charley isn't too proud to work for a woman, even if she has no experience running a ranch. The thing I liked so much about Jubilee is she is more than willing to learn and not afraid to get dirty. Charley, a hard worker, comes to respect Jubilee and the two find they enjoy spending time together. It was a romance that didn't get rushed but started with friendship and respect which strengthened it. Ms. Thomas brought two people from different walks of life together to create a bond and eventually a family. Well done Ms. Thomas. 

There is a another new character, Thatcher. I adored this kid! He not only added comic relief to some serious situations but he also gave a unique perspective on life. His view may come across as "simple" or "backwoods" but I for one found it honest and refreshing. It also worked to show how when someone is not enmeshed in the fast pace our highly technological world has become, their viewpoint becomes possibly more genuine.

Lone Heart Pass is a wonderful entry to the series. It also brought more personality to the town of Crossroads, Texas with the addition of new characters. Looking forward to the next story in the colorful world these characters inhabit.

Rating: A-

Ransom Canyon Series ~

Winter's Camp (prequel, novella)
Ransom Canyon
Rustler's Moon
Lone Heart Pass

Review: Rustler's Moon

The cobwebs are thick, the dust not from pixies. The blog, my blog, has run dry for far too long. You don't realize how hard it is to get back into a habit, any habit, until so much time has passed that it no longer feels like a habit. Logging into blogger, checking for new posts from the blogs I follow. All of that fell by the wayside, little by little, until there was nothing left. The old habits were gone and without no true direction, I drifted from one thing to another, making hollow vows to return. But now I'm back. No promises, just reviews when I can. Thanks for sticking with me.

Rustler's Moon
Jodi Thomas
Ransom Canyon/Book 2
Contemporary Romance
HQN/January 26, 2016

On a dirt road marked by haunting secrets, three strangers caught at life's crossroads must decide what to sacrifice to protect their own agendas...and what they're each willing to risk for love.

If there's any place that can convince Angela Harrell to stop running, it's Ransom Canyon. And if there's any man who can reveal desires more deeply hidden than her every fear, it's Wilkes Wagner. Beneath the rancher's honorable exterior is something that just might keep her safe...or unwittingly put her in danger's path.

With his dreams of leaving this small Texas town swallowed up by hard, dusty reality, all Wilkes has to show for his life is the Devil's Fork Ranch. Though not one to let false hope seduce him, he can't deny the quiet and cautious beauty who slips into his world and changes everything.

Lauren Brigman finally has freedom at her fingertips. All she needs is Lucas Reyes's attention—a look, a touch, some sign that she's more to him than a girl he rescued one dangerous night. But now it's her turn to rescue someone, and the life-altering decision may cost her more than a chance with Lucas.

There is a sense of familiar when reading this series. The biggest one for me is the relationship between Lauren and Lucas. It plays out very much like Regan and Noah from Thomas' Harmony series. Lauren is a more vital character with Lucas keeping to the background but we are suppose to feel like they are in love or at the least falling in love. I didn't get that at all. Their relationship felt like it was more a hold-over from high school. It feels like they should let go, but they don't know how.  

The story of Angela and her move to Ransom Canyon peaked my interest from the get-go. The idea of starting over, getting a fresh start and experiencing new things has always appealed to me. (Probably why I like the mail-order bride trope so much.) Add in some mystery, romance and danger and you've got a plot that kept drawing me back. The danger from her past wasn't as fleshed out as much as I would have liked. But it did help to draw Angela and Wilkes closer, although the romantic in me would like to think they would have been draw to each other anyway. 

The subplots of the mysteries surrounding the caves and the Gypsy House really added to the history of the small town of Crossroads, Texas. Even though Crossroads is small, it has it's share of history. (Read prequel Winter's Camp.) The secondary characters of Yancy, Vern and Carter add some quirkiness to the story. I'm glad these three banded together, along with Angie and Wilkes, to solve the mysteries. 

Rating: B

Ransom Canyon Series ~

Winter's Camp (novella)
Ransom Canyon
Rustler's Moon
Lone Heart Pass (April 26, 2016)

Review: Can't Stop Believing

Can't Stop Believing
Jodi Thomas
Contemporary Romance
Harmony/Book 6
Berkley/June 4, 2013

Cord McMillan gave up his freedom at eighteen when he went to jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Now, ten years later, he’s about to give it up again for a piece of land. Nevada Britain, his neighbor, has just made him an offer he can’t refuse: If he’ll marry her, she’ll sign over a section of property that their families have been fighting over for a hundred years. Nevada refuses to explain why, but Cord knows the bargain is in his favor. He just has one condition—she has to sleep in his bed every night for as long as their doomed marriage lasts. Nevada only wants to maintain her family’s legacy—and redeem herself for a wrong she did Cord years ago. But as she spends more time with her husband by necessity, she discovers something unexpected—a love so deep it takes her breath away.

I love coming back to Harmony, Texas.  There is always a warm welcome waiting for readers.  The hero and heroine of book six are new characters which I thought worked well.  We still get to see plenty of familiar characters but Cord and Nevada are the couple working on their happily ever after.

You can't help but feel for Cord McMillan.  He has no choice but to put up with unfair treatment because of his past.  And if that's not bad enough, he feels like he has no friends, no one there for him.  I liked Cord right off the bat, mostly because of his hard work attitude and his refusal to give in and give up his dream.

Nevada Britain seems to have it all.  Wealth, looks and youth.  But that's what is on the outside, what is on the inside is a woman who has a huge amount of stress and little love in her life.  Nevada wasn't as easy to know as Cord which isn't surprising.  She's hiding things from Cord and until she was completely honest with him, I thought, you know, he deserves better.  He deserves honesty.  Thankfully, Nevada comes to trust Cord and she earned his trust.

As a couple, Cord and Nevada have a hard road since they don't become a couple for the usual reasons but as a business transaction.  Ms. Thomas does well turning that business transaction into a believable romance.

When reading a Harmony novel, part of the enjoyment is catching up with familiar faces.  Without spoiling it, one character's storyline in particular was so well written, so emotional, I think Ms. Thomas gave me something I didn't know I wanted for this character.  Not trying to be a tease but really, just read the book.  The whole series in fact.  I can't wait to visit Harmony again!

Rating:  A

Review: Just Down the Road

Just Down the Road
Jodi Thomas
Contemporary Romance
Harmony Series/ Book 4
Berkley/April 3, 2012

Harmony, Texas, is a place where dreams are born. As the townspeople face unexpected endings and new beginnings, they also come face to face with themselves—and what’s most important in life...

When Tinch Turner lost his wife, he gave up on living. Now he spends his nights brooding, boozing, and brawling. When one of his escapades lands him in the ER, he finds himself staring up at the beautiful new doctor in town. For the first time in years, he feels a spark, but Addison Spencer wants nothing to do with the unruly rancher—or any man for that matter. She’s only in Harmony four months, long enough for the trouble she left behind to be over. But then a vulnerable little boy barrels into both their lives, forcing them out of the past—and into a future where love is just down the road...

In the meantime, as Reagan Truman grieves for her beloved uncle, she finds comfort in the makeshift family she’s made in Harmony—and in a new baby, the first born in the Wright Funeral Home in 45 years, proving to everyone that life does go on…

So happy to be back in Harmony, Texas!  It's like going home after being away for a long time.  The people, the places all hold memories of previous visits and times of happiness and some sadness too.   This time is no different, catching up with favorite characters and learning more about some newer folks in town.

Tinch Turner, at first glance, comes off as a drunken loser.  The guy is known for bar fights and trouble in general.  But beneath the rough, bleary-eyed exterior is a man in pain.  His wife wasn't simply his wife but she was his best friend, lover and childhood sweetheart.  His whole life centered on the fact that they would be together, growing old.  Now he is forced to face a new reality without her.  And Tinch does his best not to face it.  The way Tinch is written, it is so easy to not only sympathize with him but want to help him.  He's not a lost cause and Addison realizes this as she continues to see more of Tinch and the man underneath the pain.

Addison Spencer is in hiding.  She's taken the temporary job in Harmony to regroup and make some tough decisions.  Her run-ins with Tinch cause Addy to view him in a different light.  Then when Tinch is in desperate need of help, not only for himself but for a child, Addy comes to Tinch's rescue.  I really liked the role reversal with Addy helping Tinch.  And while it may seem like it is Addy doing the rescuing, Tinch also has a hand in helping Addy with her tough decisions.  Their romance was beautifully written and I loved see how each was able to give more than what they thought they could give, finding that inner strength they thought they had lost.

Big, Reagan and Noah - what a fascinating, complex triangle.  It's not a love triangle but a friendship triangle with both men loving Reagan in their own way and Reagan loving, in different ways, each of the men.  But it's their friendship at the heart of the relationships.  It's Noah Reagan wants to lean on but it's Big who's there when she needs someone the most.  Even knowing that Reagan is in love with Noah, you can't help but be thankful that Big is there for her because sometimes you need the friend that doesn't question you, that is simply there for you and that's what Big is for Reagan.  Their relationship is simple - it's friendship at it's deepest level.  Reagan and Noah's relationship is a rough and rocky one with potentially insurmountable obstacles.  It's definitely worth sticking around just to see how these three will handle everything life throws at them.

The funeral home is a busy place.  Who would have thought?  Not only is the usual business of attending to the dead keeping Tyler Wright, owner and funeral director, busy but the living are keeping him up late.  He's finally found the woman to spend the rest of his life with but he's left waiting for her to finish her last mission for the military.  Then there's Tyler's pregnant housekeeper who's about to give birth at any moment, keeping everyone nervous and ready for the baby's arrival.  I didn't feel a lot of concern for these characters as individuals but felt they rounded out the small town feeling with everyone pitching in to help each other.

I do think this series not only continues to grow but continues to get better, giving the reader even more to love and come back for.  The strength of the series are it's characters.  It's not only the people but the town and how they each contribute to the attributes and quality of the town to make Harmony what it is.   I look forward to continuing this journey with the residents of Harmony when we next meet. 


Rating:  A- 

Harmony Series ~ 

Welcome to Harmony
Somewhere Along the Way
The Comforts of Home
Just Down the Road

Review: The Comforts of Home

The Comforts of Home
Jodi Thomas
Contemporary
Harmony/Book 3
Berkley/November 1, 2011

From the Back Cover ~

In Harmony, Texas, twenty-year-old Reagan Truman has found her place and found her family. But with her uncle taken ill and her friend Noah lost and disheartened with his life, Reagan is afraid of ending up alone again, and she's not the only one. Harmony seems to be full of people yearning to make a connection. Like funeral director Tyler Wright, who longs to take his relationship with his friend Kate to the next level, but doesn't know how. And Ronelle Logan, a woman frightened of everyday human interactions, until she meets an angry, lonely man - someone just like her.

When a terrible storm threatens the town, the residents of Harmony are forced to think about what they really want. Because making the connections they so desperately desire means putting their hearts at risk...

This book and the series itself are not what I would call a typical romance novel. They are more of a look at small town life which includes romances but the romances are not the focal point of the story lines. It's more about character growth, both within the romantic relationships and without. And those romantic relationships are not always typical either with some getting their HEA and others... not ready for their HEA just yet.

Coming back to Harmony, we find Tyler Wright, the owner of the town's mortuary, still in the odd relationship with Kate Cummings. They mainly communicate through emails with the occasional get together but remain more friends than romantically involved. Although it's obvious to anyone Tyler's feelings go beyond friendship. The guy's in love with Kate but she keeps holding back. Tyler is willing to take whatever he can get from Kate which I thought was sad. I also thought it wasn't right how Kate kept stringing Tyler along. Either take the next step or let him go. Their odd romance didn't do much for me aside from annoy me.

A couple of new characters certainly held my attention. Ronni has worked at the small, local post office for many years. She goes beyond shy, becoming afraid when she thinks someone might talk to her. Much of this attitude can be laid at Ronni's mother's feet - a horrible woman who has taught her daughter to fear life. One of my favorite parts of this book was seeing Ronni come out of her shell and build confidence in her decisions. The catalyst for this was gruff, former ski star Marty, who Ronni develops a friendship with. Their story line left me feeling satisfied with the results yet still wanting to know more.

Two of my favorite characters are back! Reagan is a character I've enjoyed from the first book. She's the reason I read the second book. The relationship between Reagan and Noah has had many rough spots and they are still going through a transition where neither seems certain what the outcome will be. I feel so sorry for Reagan and Noah but more for Reagan because she's giving up more. Noah gets to go for it while Reagan must wait even though he doesn't ask her to wait which I'm not sure how I feel about that. It's as if he's not holding to his dream but he's not letting her completely go.

There are reoccurring characters to catch up with as well as another romance that I've had no interest in since it began. A new secondary character, Autumn, that I liked. She's a survivor and adds color to this seemingly wholesome town. No doubt will see more of her in books to come. I find I'm finally comfortable in the all encompassing feel of this series. There is no one main focus but several getting more or less equal page time.

The farther I go in to this series, the more I like it. I've come to what you might say is an understanding with this series. My expectations are different than they are for my usual romance novel. The series as a whole has grown into itself and continues to get better. I do think it's best to start with the first book, even though it was my least favorite. It does introduce the reader to the town, the characters and the feelings Thomas' writing produce in this small town setting.

Rating: B

Harmony Series ~

Welcome to Harmony
Somewhere Along the Way
The Comforts of Home
Just Down the Road (April 2, 2012)

Upcoming Western Releases & A Freebie...

I love a good western, be it a book or a movie. Unfortunately, they are few and far between. So here are a variety of upcoming western romance releases and a reprint to add the the list.


Bloodlands is the first book in Post-apocalyptic western urban fantasy trilogy. Christine Cody is the author who also goes by the name of Chris Marie Green, author of the Vampire Babylon series. I like the sound of this new series and the look of the covers. No man titty in sight and yet, he's still sexy. Imagine that!

It was called the New Badlands, home to the survivors of a cataclysm that altered the entire nation. Then the vampires arrived, an admit was rechristened the Bloodlands. Not because of the vampire, but because of the gun-for-hire who'd decided to slay every monster in the country by any and every means necessary.

The cover reminds me of Russel Crowe in The Quick and the Dead. Loved that movie!

The second book in the series is Blood Rules.

In the Bloodlands, sometimes the monsters don't even know themselves...

After the man named Gabriel came to the Bloodlands, Mariah Lyander was forced to face her true nature, and the horrible things she had done. To redeem herself, she embarks on a quest to find a rumored cure for were-creatures hoping to recover her own humanity - and Gabriel's love.

Book 3 - In Blood We Trust is set for release on September 27, no cover or blurb yet.


For fans of Jo Goodman's Reidsville series that started with Never Love a Lawman, followed by Marry Me, now have something to look forward to. Kissing Comfort is another historical western romance due for release on September 6. You can go here to read an excerpt. The excerpt takes place in the Sierra Nevada's so I'm not sure if it's part of the Reidsville series. My guess would be no, but I've been wrong a time or two. :) Does anyone remember Bode or Bram from the other two books?


Bode DeLong knows that his playboy brother Bram isn't really in love with Miss Comfort Kennedy, even though it's clear that she's enamored with him. With Bram's motives for the engagement suspect, Bode figures the safest place for Comfort to be is in his arms. Now, Bode just needs to convince Comfort that the childhood fancy she has for his brother is no match for the incredible desire that sparks between them every time they touch.






I've loved Jodi Thomas' historicals for years and The Tender Texan is one of my favorites! Originally released in 1991, it will be reprinted with a new cover and due for release on November 1.

Anna Meyer offers one hundred dollars to the Texas cattleman who can help her forge a frontier homestead. Chance Wyatt agrees to settle down and build a home with a lovely stranger. The boy in him never considered the possibility of love. But the man in him can't deny the passion that Anna brings out in him. they vowed to live together for only a year, but as the challenges of the savage land bring them closer together, neither can resist the aching desire that inflames their hearts - and touches their souls.




I haven't started this series yet but I will get to it! I love Lorelei James' Rough Riders series so it's a given that I'll read this one too. Wrangled and Tangled is the third book in her Blacktop Cowboys series. I swear she gets the best covers! Release date, November 1.

Janie Fitzhugh and Abe Lawson have long been divorced and living apart. Now she's back in town, a changed woman - making cattleman Abe want to wrangle an invitation to her bed...

To get his dream ranch, Renner Jackson has partnered with spoiled daddy's girl Tierney Pratt. She thinks she can handle this cowboy, but Renner won't make it easy. Little do they know they will be entangled in ways neither dreamed possible.



Another Lorelei James upcoming release is Chasing Eight, due for e-book release on June 28. The hero is Chase McKay, no word on who the heroine is yet. This is book 11 in James' wildly addictive Rough Riders series. And in case you haven't tried this series yet, you're in luck. Long Hard Ride, the first book in the series is free in e-book format for the entire month of May. You can get it here for the Kindle™ or here for the nook™. This is a great way to try this thoroughly enjoyable series. Who can resist sexy cowboys?


What books are on your upcoming must-be-read list? Any westerns you want to recommend?

Review: Somewhere Along the Way

Somewhere Along the Way
Jodi Thomas
Contemporary Romance
Harmony/Book 2
Berkley/November 2010

From the back cover ~

In the two years since she claimed Harmony, Texas, as her home, eighteen-year-old Reagan Truman has found herself drawn to others who have made their way there, too. Gabe Leary, for instance, whose plan to hide out in Harmony is dashed when he becomes the town hero. Then there's Liz Matheson: Vulnerable and fresh out of law school, Liz has never been needed by anyone?until an unsettling encounter with Gabe changes everything. And there's Liz's brother, volunteer fire chief Hank Matheson, who's starting to wonder where the town's sheriff, Alex McAllen, will ever set the date to marry him.

As for Reagan, who's been shaped by the loneliness she's know most of her life, she's finally found a place she belongs?and doesn't want anything to get in her way. But when her life is put in jeopardy and the whole town comes together to save her, she'll discover that trusting the love that's come into our hearts is the greatest gift of all?

I think I need to change my perception of this series. It's not simply a romance novel but a "small town" romance novel and I'm not just referring to the setting. There's also that small town feel where everyone is involved in your life. In this case it was Gabe and Liz who had the townsfolk getting into their business. After reading Somewhere Along the Way I've come to expect the romance to share the stage with numerous other story lines. I would say maybe half the book was focused on Gabe and Liz's story, and that's being generous. So while I do plan to read the next book, I won't expect the romance to be the main focus.

Those other story lines are quite a few. There are: Gabe and Liz - the main romance. Reagan and Noah and Bran - a teenage love triangle. Hank and Alex - still trying to make it to the alter. Tyler and Kate - their email potential romance of two years. Mrs. Biggs - with her grave sitting. Claire of the man hating paintings and new guy Denver. It's possible I'm missing someone.

I did like the book but it became almost a habit to read quickly through the story lines that held little or no interest for me. Tyler and his email romance with the elusive Kate. At this point, I honestly don't care what happens to them. Claire and Denver and their budding, crazy romance. This has the potential for an interesting romance but not with so many other plots and subplots going on. So not much interest in them either.

Gabe and Liz, I did like a heck of a lot. Gabe is this reclusive, elusive comic book author who has no interest in people, their problems or their gossip. Too bad Gabe cause you're going to be in the thick of it pretty soon. He and Liz are quite a pair. They fit like two pieces of a puzzle. Gabe is Liz's missing piece. Or maybe it's Liz that's Gabe's missing piece. Whichever way it is, I really enjoyed them together but wish they had had more page time. Liz is just starting her law practice and Gabe becomes her favorite client. Their interactions are humorous with Gabe not always understanding Liz's logic and not really concerned about it. He just likes being with her. Liz gets Gabe to come out of his cave and get to know the people of Harmony. She's bossy like that which is just what Gabe needed.

The Reagan from Welcome to Harmony (book 1) has grown since coming to live in this small town. She is my favorite character in this series. She is such a fun, witty, insightful character to read. She's just turning eighteen but has the soul of a much older, seasoned person. Her love for her Uncle Jeremiah, not an uncle of her blood but of her heart, is solid and a testament to her loyalty. I'm curious to see where her relationships with Noah and Bran lead.

The suspense was good, with a couple of threads to follow. Gabe has a bit of a dark history that he may or may not have to confront. And Reagan gets caught up in the middle of something that puts her in danger. Both situations show how the whole town pulls together and sets aside any differences to help one of their own. I do love that small town feel that Thomas brings to this series.

The next book in the series, no title yet, will be out next fall. I'll be reading it and anticipating the whole town to show up. :)

Rating: B

Review: Welcome to Harmony

Welcome to Harmony
Jodi Thomas
Contemporary Romance
Harmony/Book 1
Berkley/June 2010
Library Book

From the back cover ~

Sixteen-year-old runaway Reagan has always wanted a place to belong. She's never had a real home of her own, but maybe she can borrow someone else's. At lest for a little while...

At the nursing home where Reagan works, Miss Beverly Truman's fond memories of Harmony, Texas, seem to fill an empty space inside the girl. After Miss Beverly passes away, Reagan travels to Harmony, pretending to be the woman's granddaughter, and is taken into the home of Beverly's surviving brother.

Still, Reagan is afraid to trust the gruff kindness shown to her by Jeremiah Truman and the warm friendship offered by antoher teenager named Noah, who dreams of being a rodeo star. She keeps her distance from Noah's sister, Alex McAllen, who's the town sheriff and busy with her own stormy relationship with volunteer fire chief Hank Matheson.

But when prairie fires threaten Harmony, Reagan learns the true meaning of family, friends, and home...

I liked the synopsis and thought the story had promise but I would have liked it more had it been focused on Reagan and her story about finding a place to belong. As it was, I got bored with the romance between Alex and Hank. I did like the overall feel of the town - Thomas can write a small town and make it come alive. There is also a secondary sort-of romance that takes place primarily on line which I found interesting and hope it will continue in the next book.

The story starts with Reagan who I enjoyed reading about. She's a teen that has a lot of guts and not much to lose when she sets out on her journey to Harmony, Texas. She pretends to be related to a former resident who also happens to be related to a current resident. The current resident, Jeremiah Truman doesn't exactly throw out the welcome mat for her but he does let her stay at him home. It's a start and Reagan is willing to take it.

Crotchety, grumpy, recluse and even mean old man could all be used to describe Jeremiah Truman. At the core he's really just lonely but isn't a people person and has very little incentive to change. That's until Reagan comes along and gives him a reason to become a little more open and willing to let someone into his life. I like how these two characters who came from not only different backgrounds but different generations, became friends. They bumped and stumbled a bit but in the end they were a family, maybe not by blood but by choice.

Reagan also makes friends with Noah McAllen another teen who wants to follow in his father's footsteps and become a rodeo star. The problem is that the Trumans and the McAllens are the Hatfield and McCoys of the area. Reagan doesn't know this and she really doesn't care, she likes Noah. Theirs is a sweet friendship and I hope we see more of these two in the coming books.

Now to the part that made this such a slow read for me. Alex and Hank and their destructive relationship. It didn't remain destructive but boy did the guilt eat at both of them to the point where they couldn't see past it to the fact that they loved each other. For me, there was too much dancing around with these two. Alex getting drunk, Hank coming to her rescue then Alex telling him she wants nothing to do with him. Then they'd do it all over again the next week.

The romance of Alex and Hank just plain dragged for me and by the end I really had no interest in whether or not they found their happily-ever-after. For whatever reason I just could not connect with them. When they were on the page I was wishing it was Reagan with her oddly developing relationship with old Jeremiah or Reagan and Noah, trying to decide if they're just friends or boyfriend/girlfriend. The good news is that the next book in the series, Somewhere Along the Way, is due out November 2. I liked the excerpt so I'll be reading that and hoping for more Reagan. :)

Rating: C+

Best of 2010 - So Far...

The reading for the first half of 2010 has been up and down. Some great reads that I know will stay with me for a long time while others will fade from my memory, if they haven't already.

I got out the spreadsheet, sorted by grade and looked over all the A grades. There were 27 A grades with only one A+. Fourteen As and twelve A-s. I decided to pick 5 8 to spotlight of the Best So Far. I picked the ones that really stood out for me and are still stuck in my head. Titles are linked to my review.

Here they are in no particular order ~


Silver Borne by Patrica Briggs

One of my top 5 favorite Urban Fantasy series. I love the world that Briggs has created. The characters are so vivid for me. The phrase "they come alive" really applies to this series.


My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent

An excellent Young Adult series that continues to give the reader great character development and story lines. If you are looking for a new YA series, give this one a try.


A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh

Ah, my love for Balogh's writing goes way back, twenty years or so. She delivers such beautiful characters with intriguing stories and A Matter of Class was no exception.


Shades of Dark by Linnea Sinclair

This is the second book in the Dock Five series as well as the second book about Sully and Chaz. I liked Gabriel's Ghost(book 1) a whole bunch but I liked Shades a bit more. Amazing characters, fascinating setting.


Cowgirl Up and Ride by Lorelei James

Oh, boy! So damn happy to have finally started this series. I've enjoyed all the books but this one stands out as being such a funny and emotional read. Loved AJ and Cord!


The Texan's Wager by Jodi Thomas

This was a re-read of Jodi Thomas, another author who I read years ago. She can write some wonderful westerns with unique characters that you wouldn't expect to find in a historical romance.


Roadkill by Rob Thurman

Another top 5 Urban Fantasy series. This is UF and there is a lot of action but Thurman can write relationships like nobodys business. She is truly a gifted author and you're missing out if you're not reading this series.


Darkness Calls by Marjorie M. Liu

Liu's writing is the type that pulls you into the world she's created and makes you to feel what her characters are feeling, whether you want to or not. A dark, gritty series with equal parts action and emotion. I love Maxine's boys. :)


I know I said 5 then changed it to 8 but I had to include the following 2 because they were very good and I would certainly recommend them. And that makes it a top 10 list and isn't that what people usually do? :)

I'll have the review for The Iron Daughter up next week. The review for Chimera is a buddy review with Nath that will be posted at Breezing Through. Titles are linked to the author's website.

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa ~ A+

You can tell from the grade why I included this in the list. Lets just say I had some serious love for this book. It blew me away with its intensity. Definitely one to read.




Chimera by Rob Thurman ~ A

Another brother/brother story, focused on their relationship but different enough from her Cal Leandros series to make it stand apart.








An overwhelming majority of Fantasy. I did read some good contemporaries but it looks like for now at least, my heart belongs to the Fantasy genre. Here's hoping the second half of the year brings us all some great reads!