Review: Winning the Gentleman by Kristi Ann Hunter

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.

Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even worthier challenge.

As secrets come to light, will Aaron and Sophia's past vulnerabilities be an insurmountable stumbling block, or will they sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together?

My Review

This book featuring Aaron and Sophia was my favorite of the series! There are complex dynamics with Aaron's family relationships and his subsequent place in society which have greatly influenced his outlook and personality. Sophia has a dream and even though the opportunity to ride for Aaron isn't what either of them had in mind, she couldn't pass up a job that allowed her and her brother leave the circus. Aaron has so many layers- difficult to read his emotions, stalwart, not quick to smile- so it was gratifying to be able to read from his perspective. Sophia creates quite a stir in Newmarket, upsetting the traditions and social mores when she is hired to ride as a jockey in official races. She also challenges Aaron in ways he's not prepared for, and I loved how their attraction and chemistry grew throughout the book. Sophia's brother Jonas plays an important role, and I loved his humor and support of Sophia. Aaron's friends take Sophia under their wing and even though she faces difficulty with her work, she finds a new family in Newmarket.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Hearts on the Heath series . . .

Review: Too Far Down by Mary Connealy

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

When an explosion kills men and damages the CR Mining Company, the Bodens realize their troubles are not behind them as they thought. Shadowy forces are still working against them.
Cole Boden finds himself caught between missing his time back East and all that New Mexico offers. Sure he fights with his siblings now and then, but he does care for them. He enjoys running the mine and, when he's honest, he admits that Melanie Blake captures his interest in a way no other woman ever has.
 

Melanie has been a friend to the Bodens forever. A cowgirl who is more comfortable with horses and lassoes than people, she never expected to find herself falling for someone. Particularly for refined Cole Boden, a Harvard graduate who may not stay long at the ranch. She's determined, however, to help the Bodens finally put an end to the danger that's threatened all of them. But will putting herself in harm's way be more dangerous than anyone expected?

My Review

Finally all the answers are revealed in this last book of the Cimarron Legacy series! What made this book different from the previous is that we not only get Cole and Mel's perspectives, we also get the villain's point of view a few times throughout the book. There seemed to be more talking and less adventure, despite the mine explosions. I was also looking forward to Cole and Mel developing a romance, but that thread was pretty lacking. Plot took center stage, and while it was good to see the Bodens reunited, I was disappointed that Cole and Mel didn't have more special moments together.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in The Cimarron Legacy series . . .

Review: Long Time Gone by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The Boden clan thought their problems had ended with the death of a dangerous enemy, but have they truly uncovered the real plot to take their New Mexico ranch? Rancher Justin Boden is now in charge. He is normally an unshakable and rugged man, but with his brother, Cole, shot and in mortal danger, even a tough man faces doubts. And it doesn't help that Angie DuPree, the assistant to the doctor trying to save Cole, is as distracting a woman as Justin ever laid eyes on.

With her and the doc's timely skills, Cole looks to be on the mend, and Justin and the rest of the Bodens can turn their attention back to the dangers facing them. It's clear now that everything that's occurred is part of a much bigger plot that could date back to a decades-old secret. Can they uncover all the pieces before danger closes in on them, or is the threat to the ranch even bigger than any of the Bodens could imagine?

My Review

It had been a while since I read the first book in the Cimarron Legacy series, but the author did a good job of catching me up, woven into the action-filled beginning, right where the previous book left off. This time we get the perspective of Justin and Angie as they work with the other Bodens and friends to solve the mysterious attacks on their family. There is quite a lot of investigation mixed in with various attempts on the lives of Justin, Cole and Sadie. Their parents Chance and Ronnie are in Denver while Chance recovers from his broken leg, and letters fly back and forth as they are updated on the danger. More leads are opened up and bad guys taken down, but the big picture answers are saved for the third and final book.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in The Cimarron Legacy series . . .

Review: Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

For Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he's even more at a loss.

The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley's refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning Hudson is actually the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued by the area's newest eligible bachelor.

Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?

My Review

For all the Regency books I've read, I've only heard of Newmarket referenced, but never read a book set there! I thoroughly enjoyed this series with horse breeding, racing, and the society of Newmarket at the center. I loved Bianca and her obsession with horses, although she wasn't allowed to ride the thoroughbreds. It's easy to see how she is so likeable, especially among the stable hands and manager at Hawksworth. When Hudson surprises his estate by showing up unannounced, his first meeting with Bianca make me giggle and reminded me a bit of the stable scene in the movie Far and Away. It was interesting to see how his upbringing in India brought an isolation and increased his difficulty integrating with the local gentry. Bianca becomes a mentor of sorts, and he returns the favor by trying to help her find a decent husband so she can avoid a union with the odious Mr. Mead her stepmother is pushing on her. Naturally they become fast friends, but I think the other romantic interests they were considering distracted from any chemistry they developed and I missed that feeling of connection. Overall, I was drawn in by the plot and also enjoyed their friendships with other characters that are from previous books by the author or will be the leads in the rest of the books in this series.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Hearts on the Heath series . . .

Review: Honor's Mountain Promise by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

They both want a new start, but nothing prepared them for this treacherous journey.

Finally on the right side of the law, Aaron Long expected his life to take an upward turn. Instead, he ends up with a bum leg and driving a freight wagon through the wild Rocky Mountains. At least he has the joy of his newfound faith in God. The last thing he expects in the middle of an urgent delivery to Settler’s Fort is to discover a woman begging him to take her the opposite direction. She’s heavy with child, so he can’t leave her, but neither can he take her where she wants to go.

Katie Barlowe has never had control of her life. Especially not when her parents married her off to a successful businessman who was determined to start a ranch in the faraway Montana Territory. Now she’s a widow left on her own in these breathtaking but treacherous mountains. She’s determined to forge a better future for herself and the new life growing inside her. To do so, she needs to get back to civilization before the babe is born. When she finally finds a freighter to take her the first leg of the journey east, all seems to be falling into place. Then the driver is killed and she’s left with a stranger who’s unwilling to take her farther than a tiny mining town, far from Fort Benton and the steamship she’d hoped would carry her home.

When Aaron and Katie set out through the mountain winter, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

My Review

This fourth book in the Hearts of Montana series follows the journey of Nate's brother Aaron who wasn't the most pleasant person in the previous book. His injury has humbled him and I was impressed with his grit and determination in his job and helping Katie. The story follows a formula oft-used by the author- dangerous wilderness conditions, an injury or two, the desperate need to arrive at their destination before the winter storms leave them stranded, an increase of faith, and a dash of romance. Somehow I'm always up for the adventure! I loved Aaron's kindness with Katie and the way they supported each other. The delivery of her baby and the way he bonds with them both is endearing. I was surprised when the story ended as quickly as it did, but I think that meant that I was hoping for more of their story together.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Hearts of Montana series . . .

Review: Cross-Country Christmas by Laurie Lewis

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

When CC Cippolini is offered a temp job driving a custom car across the country, she leaps at the chance to leave Chicago, put her past in the rearview mirror, and make a fresh start. But one car crash and broken cattle fence later, CC ends up at the home of ruggedly handsome rancher Reese Brockbank.

Reese doesn’t hesitate to rescue the reckless woman who has crashed into his life, but when circumstances require him to put CC up in his house for a few days, he vows to remain aloof—a woman already derailed his life once. As CC’s warmth and childlike love of Christmas turn his beautiful but sterile house into a home, however, she wears down his defenses. Still, something in her story doesn’t quite add up, and Reese’s questions soon cause CC to retreat.

The pain of their pasts has brought them to this moment, but will they seize it or put the possibility of love in jeopardy?

My Review

This was a heartwarming story of a woman with no family and a man with no hope discovering love together. I loved the premise of Reese rescuing CC from a car wreck in a snowstorm, and the forced proximity while she stayed with him and the delightful couple who help work the ranch. I definitely got Hallmark-movie vibes as I read- both the pros and the cons. The dialogue was stilted, even when they were supposed to be bantering, which killed the chemistry for me. The setting was idealistic, but there was too much description of the specifics and I lost interest in CC's reaction to the relative opulence instead of feeling the homey vibe. I loved Emmie and Carlos as they encouraged Reese and CC, while also opening up about their own struggles. Reese and CC each got tied up in their own thoughts quite a bit which resulted in too much angst for me without realistic progress in their relationship. There is a bit of suspense built into the plot with CC's ex-fiance and mystery mother as the local sheriff investigates her background. I think this story could be enjoyed by others but it was a bit of a miss for me.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Of Mist and Mirrors by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

To thine own side be true...

Minerva Dalton is an experienced operative among the Agents of the Convent and not easily ruffled by the nature of her work. But when the first social event of her assignment is interrupted by another operative using the same alias surname as her own, she has to make a sudden adjustment that changes the course of both missions. And that of her life.

Griffin Russell did not expect the surprise that was Minerva when he'd taken this assignment, but he was not about to argue with a woman who was stunning as well as dangerous. He takes up an unlikely partnership with her to protect them both from discovery and failure, and discovers just how skilled and accomplished an agent she truly is.

Working together, can they accomplish both missions and not kill each other in the process? Or will something far more complicated and far less expected arise from their predicament?

My Review

What a dynamic couple! Minerva and Griffin are both skilled and experienced spies for England, but this is their first time working together. I loved what they both brought to the table, and their banter was always entertaining. Griffin is a charming antagonizer, and Minerva is alternately stoic, annoyed, and sassy. Their first meeting was memorable for them both, and their attraction grows as they develop trust and respect for the true person beneath each of their facades. The layered plot kept the pace moving as Minerva and Griffin establish their position as a power couple in society, seek out traitors, and search for clues of a missing person of interest. I'm always intrigued and enthralled by this author's Regency books with suspense woven in with the romance!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Agents of the Convent series . . .