Review: Timeless Western Collection: Big Sky by Kimberly Krey, Annette Lyon, Cindy Roland Anderson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

THE COWBOY’S CATCH by Kimberly Krey
When Jason Keller bids on a date with Marlee at the town’s annual fundraising event, she’s quick to turn him down. First of all, an evening with Marlee was never on the table; just dates with each of her younger sisters. Beyond that, Jason Keller—a man with Hollywood ties—is the last cowboy in town she’d go on a date with. Being abandoned because of her own mother’s Hollywood pursuits taught her well. But when the Keller Cowboy offers a hefty sum for the charities in question, in front of half the town no less, Marlee’s compelled to accept. It’s just one date after all, and it’s not like she’d ever fall for a man like him. Or so she thinks.

SELLING HER RANCH, STEALING HIS HEART by Annette Lyon
Teresa adores her job as manager of the J-Bar-D Ranch, which boards horses and offers riding lessons. The owner, Dorothy, has become like a grandmother to Teresa. But when Dorothy passes away unexpectedly, the ranch is put up for sale by none other than Dorothy’s only grandson, Derek. Even with the obvious chemistry between them, Teresa refuses to consider dating the guy who’s going to turn her beloved ranch into a strip mall. Derek wishes more than anything that he didn’t have to sell, but Grandma Dorothy ran the ranch into deep debt, and Derek’s own mother has ongoing medical bills. Without selling the ranch, he can’t pay off the debts or take care of his mother. If only he’d met Teresa had met at in a different time and place, they might have a future.

THE COWBOY’S SECOND GO by Cindy Roland Anderson
When recently divorced Callie Stewart, an aspiring country music artist, confronts the dishonest talent agent who stole her new song, he turns the tables on her, and her world spins out of control. Without proof she composed the hit song, Callie is forced to take her twin boys with her, move out of Nashville and live with her aunt in Montana. Having her dreams shattered leaves her trying to figure out how she will support her little family. Reconnecting with Ty Carter, her long-ago crush from high school and the guy who broke her heart, has her questioning her resolve to leave romance out of her new life. Ty isn’t just a good-looking cowboy, he’s sweet to her boys and makes Callie feel beautiful and alive. As her feelings for Ty grow stronger, the music reawakens inside her, inspiring her creativity and the desire to sing. Giving love a second chance might be the key to a forever love, and the start of a new music career…but can it be both?

My Review

I really enjoy cowboy stories, both historical and contemporary, I think because of the Louis L'Amour books I read as a teen from my dad's collection. All three of these stories embody what's special about the cowboy ideal- tough yet vulnerable, hard working and hard playing.

In The Cowboy's Catch, I liked seeing Marlee try to keep Jason at arm's length, only to discover that her prejudices about him weren't accurate. They had great chemistry, but the author's choice of verbs in a few instances threw me- she used "crooned" and "purred" and "mumbled" to describe the ways Jason spoke to Marlee, supposedly romantically... and it came off very odd to me. I would use "crooned" to describe the way someone sings, "purred" for a sound someone makes while getting a massage, and "mumbled" for something you say under your breath that you don't want the other person to necessarily hear. "Murmured" might have been a better choice in that last case. Other than my verb issues, it was a fun story ;)

The next story by Annette Lyon also has the female lead making unfair assumptions about the male lead. Teresa feels so strongly about the ranch she works at that she doesn't do a good job of listening to Derek, opting to storm off instead of face the situation. It was nice to see Derek prove her wrong as his time reconnecting with the ranch helps him get in touch with his love for the countryside.

My favorite of the three was The Cowboy's Second Go, seeing the journey Callie goes through as she returns to her hometown, faces her unrequited love and finally overcomes the awkward moment of young heartbreak she never forgave Ty for. He is such a sweetheart (now) and I enjoyed the wonderful scenes as he endears himself to her again and her two young boys.

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

Falling in Love Event: Author Kimberly Krey, Sale & Giveaway

 

   

The Sheriff's Bride by Kimberly Krey 

Trent Lockheart might be the new sheriff in town, but he can’t stop Jessie Jean from stealing his heart. Sheriff Trent Lockheart knew he’d be in for a challenge when he moved from the big city and a large police force to the small Wyoming town of Cobble Creek. But at least he’d be able to stick to his bachelor ways without temptation. So he thought. Cobble Creek isn’t overflowing with young, single ladies, but Jessie Jean—the gorgeous brunette who runs the Country Quilt Inn—proves more tempting than any woman he’s known. Jessie doesn’t care much for the new sheriff in town. After an explosive first meeting that almost ends in Jessie’s arrest, she’s even more determined to plan on dinner for one for the rest of her life. Sure, the new sheriff is seriously attractive, and after a second, much less dangerous run-in, he might not be that bad, but Jessie has no plan to marry, date, or even let a man into her life. Still, as the days pass, Trent’s surprising charm works past Jessie’s determination, and she finds promise in their budding relationship. After opening up about the difficulties in her past, Jessie finds that Trent is guarding a dark tragedy of his own, one that might threaten their chance at a future together. 

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Of all the nerve! Who in their right mind would remove flyers for a fundraiser to help a single mother battling cancer? If Jessie came across this guy she’d let him have it. No doubt it was a guy; no woman had the heart to do such a thing.

She took her frustration out on the stapler, pounding three staples into each corner of the page.

“There,” she hissed. “Take this one down. I dare ya.”

The deep sound of a man clearing his throat sounded behind her. “Who are you talking to, Miss?”

She spun around, surprised to see an unfamiliar officer standing there. Wait, maybe he was familiar after all. Those sunglasses looked a whole lot like the ones she’d caught sight of a moment ago. She hadn’t noticed the uniform, as distracted by she’d been. In those tinted glasses, with that thick, dark hair and chiseled features, he looked more like a Hollywood heartthrob than a …

The thought was lost as a shock of lime green caught her eye. Why were those papers in his hands? A gasp tore from her throat. “Are you the one ripping these down?”

The man flicked the stack with the back of his hand. “As a matter of fact,” he mumbled around a toothpick between his lips, “that’s exactly who I am.”

It was the perfect clash – the ugly admittance of what he’d done, and the attractive features of his face. Everything about him boasted manly perfection. His well-defined jaw showed hints of a five-o’clock shadow, the scruff also casing that perfectly sculpted mouth. The impressive span of his chest and shoulders said he was disciplined too; muscles like that didn’t happen overnight.

Jessie forced her mind back to the less-attractive parts of him. Mainly, the part that was trying to sabotage her upcoming event. She reached out to snatch the stack from his grip, but he yanked it from her reach, a wry smile pulling at his lips.

She gasped once more, visions of grade school coming to mind. Mean Milton playing keep away after swiping her backpack.

“You’re a bully,” she accused.

“No, ma’am, I’m just doing my duty.” The sunglasses made it hard to dissect just what was going through his head. In the reflection, Jessie saw a ticked-off version of herself, looking somewhat small from the lowered angle.

A hand went to her hip. She leaned on one foot. “Did you take even one teeny tiny second to read what’s on those flyers? Huh? Because if you did, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

“Ma’am, I don’t care if you’re having a yard sale or warning the town that a UFO landed in your backyard. What you’re doing is illegal.”

Fire roared in her chest. “Who are you?”

The officer slowly lifted a hand, took hold of the sunglasses he wore, and pulled them off his face. Their eyes locked as he moved the toothpick from one corner of his lips to the next. “I’m the new sheriff in town.”

   

"One of the best books I've read... there were parts where I cried, laughed and cheered at the happily ever after." Ginny LaMere 

"...a sweet but rowdy romance with charming characters, a heartwarming story, and breathtaking moments too." Kindle Customer    

     

Author Kimberly Krey 

 

Kimberly has always been a fan of good, clean romance, so she decided to specialize in writing 'Romance That's Clean without Losing the Steam'. She's a fervent lover of God, family, and cheese platters, as well as the ultimate hater of laundry.  

    

 

   

Giveaway Details Ends 10/12/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

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Book Blast for Fresh Starts by Kimberly Krey with $100 giveaway!

   

Fresh Starts by Kimberly Krey

Bree has had her fair share of difficulties. The loss of her parents, a not-so-recent divorce, and the disruption of her life caused by a stalker now who’s serving jail time. When the determined criminal finishes his sentence, Bree is sent into hiding. And while she’s doing all she can to steer clear of this frightening piece of her past, an old acquaintance enters the scene, determined to be part of her future.

 

 Praise for Fresh Starts

"Fascinating characters, heartwarming and steamy romance, and chilling suspense make for one incredible read!” Reviewer, Ruth Josse

 “…all that you hope for in a gentle tug and pull of fearing the past and daring to hope for a better future. Kimberly Krey is masterful at helping us feel Bree's experience... Fresh Starts will keep you reading page after page until the heart stopping culmination.” Author Christene Houston

“...believable and intriguing. And as always...steamy and clean!” Jamie Lynn
 

Excerpt

Say something, an inner voice pled. “Thanks for bringing up my things,” she blurted. Greyson gave her a subtle nod and made for the stairs. He got to the landing, took two more steps, and then paused to look up at her where she stood in the doorway, paralyzed. “Bree?” Tingling warmth gushed through her chest at the sound of her name in his deep, raspy voice. “Mmm?” His eyes locked on hers, and Bree was certain – by the look on his face, the very air about him – that if Greyson Law wanted to own the world and everyone in it, he could. He lifted his chin, squaring his face with hers. “I’m going to see that you’re safe.”      

Author Kimberly Krey 

Kimberly Krey specializes in writing "romance that's clean without losing the steam!" She's a reader of good, clean romance, a lover of family time and Diet Coke, and the ultimate hater of laundry. She discovered her love for writing in college when given a creative writing assignment. She still remembers sitting in the lamplight's glow, crafting words to depict the vision in her head. That assignment sparked a passion within her. It took years to return to that passion, but now that she has, she counts it among her greatest blessings. Krey is author of the top-selling Sweet Montana Bride series, as well as its companion series, Second Chances.  

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$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/30/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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