COWBOY PRIDE by Lacy Williams

July 25, 2018

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Wild Wyoming Hearts Series, Book 3

I picked up this book because it was the Overdrive “Big Read” book choice through my library. If you are not familiar, here is a bit of information about it:

Global eBook Club

Big Library Read (BLR), facilitated by OverDrive, is a reading program through your library that connects readers around the world with the same eBook at the same time without any wait lists or holds.

Easy to Join

It’s a worldwide digital version of a local book club, the program is free through your local library or school library and all you need to get started reading is a library card or student ID.

I’m not sure how these books are selected but this one is self published. Looking at some of the previous selections, this seems to be an outlier. A few previous titles were Art of the Pie by Kate McDermott, a cookbook; American Sniper by Chris Kyle; Eyes on You by Kate White – traditionally published books, some by bestselling authors.

From Amazon:

“Everyone knows a rancher in possession of a large spread needs a wife.”

First impressions count. Liza Bennett has two missions in life: keep the family’s shop afloat, and ensure her shy sister finds love. Sparks fly when she meets rancher Rob Darcy at a town dance, but when she overhears him insult her, she vows to put the man out of her mind. Rob Darcy is instantly attracted to the vivacious Liza but a lack of social graces and the promise he’s keeping ruin his chances of winning her.

Once jilted, Janie Bennett is appropriately gun-shy of falling in love again. But she doesn’t seem to be able to help herself when she meets charming Nathan Bingley. Bingley desperately wants a wife and family of his own. Can he trust that Janie returns his feelings? When Janie is injured in a spring storm, she and Liza are sequestered on Nathan’s ranch. Hearts and emotions get tangled, but will first impressions prove true, or false?

Cowboy Pride is a Wild West version of Pride and Prejudice with dual love stories. Lacy Williams is a USA Today bestselling author of the acclaimed Wyoming Legacy and Cowboy Fairytales series.

This was a cute book. It was very light, almost too light as the characters really could have used more development. That said, if you like Western romances and/or are obsessed with Pride & Prejudice and all its incantations, you may enjoy this book. I did.

8/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

COWBOY PRIDE by Lacy Williams. Lacy Williams (July 23, 2017).  ISBN 978-1942505686. 250p.

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THE DUKE BUYS A BRIDE by Sophie Jordan

July 24, 2018

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The Rogue Files, Book 3

This was such a fun read!

Alyse Bell was orphaned at age 15 and her father arranged a “marriage” to a friend so she would be protected. The marriage meant she would take care of all the man’s children but the marriage was never consummated. Seven years later he wants to marry a local widow, so arranges for Alyse to be sold at auction, avoiding the complications and expense of a divorce.

Alyse’s childhood friend is supposed to be at the auction to purchase her, but he doesn’t show. Instead, things get ribald and scary, until a man comes riding in to save her. That man is the Duke of Autenberry, who has basically run away from problems at home. He doesn’t get along with his father and needs some time to be alone. He is terribly hungover but his conscience won’t allow him to leave the poor girl so he purchases her. He quickly informs her that they are not married and he doesn’t want her for a wife. He doesn’t tell her he is a Duke but she knows he has money.

Autenberry takes her on a road trip to his home in the Scottish Highlands. He’s never actually been there but it is remote enough to give him the solitude he seeks. He offers Alyse a position as housekeeper and she figures it is a good deal. Except while they are on the road, they are forced to share a bed on several occasions and the next thing you know, there is some serious chemistry going on there.

This was a really good romance with likable characters, steamy sex, and an interesting story. Another excellent read from one of my favorite authors.

7/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE DUKE BUYS A BRIDE by Sophie Jordan. Avon (July 24, 2018).  ISBN 978-0062463647. 368p.

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WHEN WE FOUND HOME by Susan Mallery

July 23, 2018

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The Carlesso family is not your typical family. The patriarch, Alberto, had one son who wasn’t a very good person. Alberto found out he had a grandson, Malcolm, when the child’s mother turned up, 12-year-old in tow, and he took them in while his son continued his traveling and playboy lifestyle. Malcolm’s mother dies but Alberto takes care of him, and he joins the family business and grows it significantly. When Malcolm’s father passes away, Alberto waits a couple of years before going through his papers.

Alberto finally learns that his son had two other children, daughters, with two different mothers. He tracks down the youngest, Keira, who’s only 12-years-old, and he finds her in foster care. He arranges for her to move in with him and Malcolm. And he keeps searching for the older daughter, Callie, who is an adult at 26.

When Alberto finally tracks down Callie, Malcolm is shocked to learn that she has gotten out of prison a few years earlier. Nevertheless, Alberto invites her to move in with them as well.

Callie made a life altering mistake as a teenager, she robbed a liquor store with her boyfriend and she took the rap. She served her time and is trying to rebuild her life, which is not easy as an ex-felon. She is leery of this invitation but she really has nothing to lose so she moves in and asks for a job in the family business.

Meanwhile, Delaney has gone through some tragedy herself. She lost her fiance, a cop who was killed in the line of duty. That shooting also seriously injured her father, leaving him in a wheelchair. She left her high powered career in finance to take care of her dad and decides she wants change careers to something in medicine. She is working part time at a cafe in the same building as the Carlesso family business and has a bit of a crush on Malcolm. Unbeknownst to Delaney, she has also befriended Keira, who she recognizes as a lonely little girl but she doesn’t realize that Malcolm is the “asshole brother” that Keira frequently complains about.

These characters come together to form a family with a lot of issues, and the storylines are masterfully woven together. I loved these characters and couldn’t put this book down until the happy ending. Probably more women’s fiction than romance, nonetheless there is some romance too, after all that is what Mallery is known for. All in all, an excellent read and a fabulous book to take to the beach.

7/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

WHEN WE FOUND HOME by Susan Mallery. Hqn Books (July 10, 2018).  ISBN 978-0373802500 . 419p.

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A SUMMER IN SONOMA by Robyn Carr

July 22, 2018

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From the publisher:

They’ve been best friends since seventh grade. But this summer, teetering on the threshold of thirty, four women are going to need each other more than ever

Cassie has sworn off men after yet another bad date though, deep down, she’s still looking for Mr. Right. A long-haired, tattooed biker is definitely not him, so there’s no harm in a few Harley rides through Sonoma. Right?

Julie married her high school sweetheart too young and now wonders how her life became all about leaky faucets and checkbook balances. Maybe love isn’t enough to sustain the perfect couple.

Marty’s firefighter husband takes her for granted, and with her marriage on the rocks, an old flame begins to look mighty tempting. She’s seriously thinking of crossing that line.

Beth is a busy doctor trapped in a body that’s betrayed her yet again and she’s becoming a difficult patient and a secretive friend. She’s fighting for her life.

Life can change in an instant…or a summer. As these four friends deal with life’s challenges, the strength of their bond will see them through.

This is one of those books that deals with a lot of secrets, and I don’t want to give any of them away so I used the publisher’s synopsis.

It is a wonderful read about friends, with enough complications to really keep the pages turning. These are wonderful characters who we really get to know, and there is a bit of romance as well. The romance is a slow building one, from friendship to love and the way it unfolds is really lovely. I like when characters have to stretch themselves and that happens here. Carr is a good writer and a good storyteller, and this is a terrific read.

7/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

A SUMMER IN SONOMA by Robyn Carr. MIRA; Original edition (June 26, 2018). ISBN 978-0778331261.  368p.

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HOT IN HELLCAT CANYON by Julie Anne Long

July 21, 2018

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Hellcat Canyon Novel, Book 1

Once again I’m working my way backwards into a series. I read book 4, The First Time at Firelight Falls, and liked it so much that I searched out the first book in the series and will go from there.

JT is an actor who is a bit adrift. He was the hottest thing on TV with a catchphrase and everything, but that was years ago. Now he’s pushing forty and trying to stay relevant. His truck breaks down in the small town of Hellcat Canyon, and he stops at the only restaurant in town, the diner, where he meets a cute waitress.

Britt is the waitress, and she’s come out of an abusive relationship and is not looking for more. But their chemistry is undeniable even though they both fight it. Being that this is the first book in the series, there are a lot of introductions to the town and the folks who live there. The romance is central though, and there is a lot of humor and some steamy scenes as well.

This was a fun read but I’m guessing, based on reading book 4, that it gets better as the series progresses.

7/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

HOT IN HELLCAT CANYON by Julie Anne Long. Avon (May 31, 2016). ISBN 978-0062397614.  384p.

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LOST AND FOUND SISTERS by Jill Shalvis

July 19, 2018

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Wildstone, Book 1

As usual, I’m reading this series out of order. I had stumbled across the second book, Rainy Day Friends, and liked it so much I searched out this one. And I’m very glad I did.

Quinn Weller lost her sister in a terrible accident, and is trying hard to get past it. Working as a sous-chef in a trendy restaurant in Los Angeles keeps her busy. She’s been dating Brock, but they decide that friendship is better and he starts playing the field. Then she gets some interesting news.

A lawyer contacts her and drops a bombshell – everything she thought she knew about her life was a lie. She has an inheritance in Wildstone, a few hours away from L.A., and she has to go there in person to learn what it is.

Moving to Wildstone is not in her plan, but she slowly realizes it is what she needs. Mick Hennessey grew up there but couldn’t wait to get away from his father and the small town. His life is now in San Francisco and he’s quite successful, but after his father dies he finds himself running back and forth to Wildstone to help out his mom.

Quinn and Mick have instant chemistry, but neither is looking for a relationship. But fate has its own way of dealing with things, and their journey is a good one. This was a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend this series, especially for fans of Kristan Higgins and Colleen Hoover.

7/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

LOST AND FOUND SISTERS by Jill Shalvis. William Morrow Paperbacks (June 20, 2017). ISBN 978-0062448118. 400p.

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RESCUED by David Rosenfelt

July 18, 2018

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 An Andy Carpenter Novel, Book 17

I’ve been reading this series since the first book literally dropped into my hands through the book drop at the library where I was working. The cover, a skyline of NYC, drew me in but the writing has kept me coming back book after book. The cover of that original book, Open & Shut, has been updated with dogs to match up with the rest of the series. And it is a dog-centric series.

Andy Carpenter is a lawyer who inherited enough money so that he doesn’t need to work. He takes only one or two cases a year, and that suits him just fine. It gives him more time to spend with his dogs, his wife and son. probably in that order.

When a large truck is found at a New Jersey rest stop with a dead body in the front and lots of dogs barking in the back, Andy is called to help out. He has a rescue foundation for dogs, and with this many, his help is needed. Turns out his help is also needed when his wife’s ex-boyfriend is accused of being the killer.

Self defense is the way to go and it is not looking good for Andy and his legal team until the very end of the book, but getting there is half the fun.  With his wise cracks, witty repartee and all the series regulars in place, I had a good time reading this book. These books do not have to be read in order but I think it best if you read the first book, it sets up the rest of the books in the series.

If you love dogs, wise cracks and legal fiction, and I do, this is a terrific read.

7/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

RESCUED by David Rosenfelt. Minotaur Books (July 17, 2018).  ISBN 978-1250133069. 304p.

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ALL YOUR PERFECTS by Colleen Hoover

July 17, 2018

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Colleen Hoover is one of my favorite writers, and this may be her best book yet.

Infertility is the issue that is causing a major rift in Quinn and Graham’s marriage. Sex has become a means to an end and when that end doesn’t result in pregnancy, month after month, Quinn sinks further and further into depression. Hoover handles this tough topic with grace and sensitivity.

Graham tries to be supportive but he hides his fears in hopes of protecting her. That doesn’t work and we watch as this marriage inevitably starts unraveling. It is a heartbreaking journey.

The book moves back and forth through time so we get to watch Quinn and Graham falling in love while simultaneously watching them fall apart. It was a difficult read at times, as the pain of infertility hit pretty close to home for me, but nevertheless, I couldn’t put it down.

Hoover has a way of drawing the reader in and making us care about her characters, even when it is painful to do so. By alternating the darkness of a marriage on the rocks with the light of falling in love, she makes us think about how a relationship goes from one extreme to the other. I never saw this ending coming, and it was a masterful finish to a very thought provoking, emotional read. I loved it.

7/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

ALL YOUR PERFECTS by Colleen Hoover. Atria Books (July 17, 2018).  ISBN 978-1501171598.  320p.

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See Colleen on Tour!

 

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COTTAGE BY THE SEA by Debbie Macomber

July 16, 2018

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Another sweet romance from the Queen of sweet romance, and she is in fine form.

Annie Marlow is living her life when an unspeakable tragedy strikes. Sinking into depression, a friend finally suggests she go to her “happy place,” whatever that is.

Annie decides to go back to the beach town where she spent happy summer vacations as a child. She even manages to find the cottage her family rented every year. The owner is the granddaughter of the original owners, but she is an agoraphobic recluse and not inclined to rent out her cottage. Until Keaton intervenes.

Keaton is a painter/handyman and helps out the owner so she is willing to listen to him. Annie gets her cottage and a new friend in Keaton. As she struggles to find peace, Keaton has his own struggles. Together, they learn to overcome their problems and help each other find happiness.

This is a beautiful story of redemption. The setting is lovely, the characters warm and interesting, and the story line compelling. I loved it.

7/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

COTTAGE BY THE SEA by Debbie Macomber. Ballantine Books (July 17, 2018).  ISBN 978-0399181252. 352p.

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THE HIGHLANDER’S PROMISE by Lynsay Sands

July 15, 2018

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Highland Brides, Book 6

I continue on my quest for men in kilts and this is a good one if you don’t mind the amnesia trope.

Aulay Buchanan is laird but he’s staying in his hunting lodge. One morning he finds a woman floating in the water, tied to a mast that has broken off of a ship. He pulls her in and revives her, but she doesn’t know who she is or how she ended up there, and to makes things even more interesting, she is deathly afraid of someone.

Aulay names her Jetta so he can call her something. His brother is a healer who recommends lots of rest and Aulay decides to stay at the hunting lodge until he can determine who she is afraid of and why. He sends out a few trusted men to try and find out which ship she came from and that leads to other problems.

Eventually, fleeting memories come back to Jetta but it isn’t until almost the end of the book that she realizes who she is and how she came to be there. But by then, Aulay and Jetta have fallen in love and try as they do to fight it, they get their happily ever after.

This was a one night read for me and I do recommend it, especially if you like Scottish romances. It’s a fast read and a good one.

7/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE HIGHLANDER’S PROMISE by Lynsay Sands. Avon; Reprint edition (June 26, 2018). ISBN 978-0062842671.  288p.

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