Review: Reclaiming His Past by Karen Kirst

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

No Possessions, No Memories, Not Even a Name!  

The wounded stranger found on Jessica O'Malley's property has no idea who he is. And Jessica would be foolish to trust him after being proven so wrong about a former suitor who turned out to be a criminal. But Jessica's wariness toward the newcomer is soon turning to interest…and hope.

Until he knows his true identity, "Grant" can't make a life in this quaint Tennessee town. He certainly shouldn't be thinking so much about the feisty redhead with beautiful, guarded eyes. But even as he fights to keep a distance from Jessica, his feelings for her grow. And he can't help but wonder if he'll want to return to his old life when his past is revealed.

My Review

Amnesia is a fun and interesting trope as the mystery of a character's unknown past conflicts with their present, holding them back while they are trying to move forward. Grant's appearance is suspicious because of his gunshot, and even though Jessica nurses him back to health, he still has a long way to go to win her trust. His personality is one of a protector, so he naturally falls into the role despite Jessica's resistance. There is great romantic tension throughout the book as they grow closer, and the unfolding mystery brought an element of suspense.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

---

Don't miss the other books in the Smoky Mountain Matches series . . .

Review: A Lawman for Christmas by Karen Kirst

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The Gift of Family

Committed to her spinsterhood, Isabel Flores isn't about to trust a man with her hard-won independence or her heart—especially not lawman Ben MacGregor. But when a little boy is abandoned on her property, the so-called "Debonair Deputy" of their small Tennessee town helps her care for the child. And Isabel begins to hope he might be more than just a handsome flirt.

Ben is well aware of Isabel's aversion to love and has his own secret reasons for avoiding relationships. But as he and Isabel do their best to make the holiday special for their young ward, Ben wonders if he could be a family man after all. Will this Christmas be the first of many for Isabel and Ben's little instant family?

My Review

I really enjoyed this story and the way Isabel gradually warmed up to Ben as he proved to her through his actions that he isn't who she assumed him to be. They have a good chemistry, especially when they became friends and the attraction between them leads to thoughts of more. The addition of Eli into their care brought to light the secret yearnings Isabel and Ben both have to be parents. There is an element of danger with a bank robber on the loose and a mystery to solve- where did Eli come from and who left him with the Flores girls? A sweet story set during the holidays, it made me want to cozy up next to the fire after decorating the house with evergreen boughs and cloves stuck in oranges ;)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Bride by Arrangment by Karen Kirst

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Newly minted Cowboy Creek sheriff Noah Burgess doesn't want a wife—despite his friends insisting that he needs one. So when they send for a big-city single mother to be his mail-order bride, he's fit to be tied. Even if vivacious Grace Longstreet might just be the only person who can see past Noah's scars…and help him heal.

Grace needs a husband to keep her and her twin daughters out of her brother-in-law's grasp. And she'll do anything—including taking on her cousin's identity—to find one. But as the attraction between Grace and the lawman sparks higher, she begins hoping for a real marriage. So she needs to tell the truth…or a mail-order match that's meant to be could crumble.

My Review

While this may seem like your typical mail-order bride story, it's the extra layers in the plot and characters that give it added depth and interest. Grace isn't just a socialite on the run from her brother-in-law, she's a devoted mother with a history of working hard to raise herself from poverty. Noah isn't just a grumpy sheriff, he's a former soldier with physical and emotional battle scars that affect his choices and future happiness. The town isn't just a friendly community of ranchers and cowboys, it is fighting outlaws and corruption as it grows with the railroad and potential to become the county seat.

I loved the gruff kindness of Noah as he can't help falling for Grace and becoming endeared to her children. He sure puts up a good fight against his feelings and I can't blame Grace for her uncertainty about him. They have a romantic chemistry full of sparks and I loved the scenes when they let their guard down and be vulnerable with each other. There is a great cast of secondary characters from the first two books in the series and I'm looking forward to going back and reading their love stories.

(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Married by Christmas by Karen Kirst

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Wherever Caleb O'Malley goes, trouble follows, and trouble is the last thing Rebecca Thurston needs. But when Caleb appears—gravely wounded—at Rebecca's Smoky Mountain cabin, she can't turn him away. His life depends on her kindness, but she never anticipated it would lead to an unwanted proposal.

Caleb never forgave himself for the accident that ended Rebecca's engagement and destroyed her life. He doesn't want to hurt her again. But after a week recuperating at her cabin, there is only one way for Caleb to protect both their reputations from scandal. Neither of them wants to tie the knot, but as Rebecca and Caleb spend time together, will they find there's more to their marriage than convenience?

My Review

This is now one of my favorite marriage of convenience stories! I love that Rebecca and Caleb had a childhood friendship and tumultuous history. The tension and chemistry is amazing but there are  obstacles that need to be overcome as they fall in love and learn forgiveness of one's self and others.

(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)