Review: Knox by Susan May Warren

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

He's not looking for trouble...

Montana rancher Knox Marshall's danger years are behind him. A former bull-rider, he now runs the Marshall family ranch, raising champion bucking bulls for the National Professional Bullrider's Expo (NBR-X). Wealth and success are his, but life is stable, expected, and…ordinary.  But he wants more from life...

But trouble is looking for her...

Kelsey Jones just wants a safe life, a family, a home. Onstage, the beautiful rising star of the Yankee Belles becomes the person she longs to be - vivacious and confident - burying the brokenness she carries from a violent assault. Becoming NBR-X’s next country act is key to outrunning her past and achieving the success and security she craves.

When trouble finds them both...

Knox and Kelsey's paths collide when an explosion at an NBR-X event traps them in the rubble and leaves them reeling. Kelsey’s crippling nightmares return, but for Knox, an obsession to find the bomber is ignited.

What will it cost him to protect her? 

When Kelsey’s past threatens Knox’s family, he'll have to choose between saving the Marshall legacy or becoming the protector he's always longed to be.

My Review

Be still my heart! I was thrilled to find out that the author is writing a series about the Marshall family- Rueben, the oldest brother, was my favorite smokejumper in the Montana Fire series, and the brief glimpse we see of his family when they are reunited at the end of Burnin' for You provided the perfect lead-in to more stories. I loved reading Knox's perspective and understanding his feelings about being responsible for the ranch while his siblings went on to lead exciting lives. He feels nice, safe, and old, but when Kelsey comes into his life with all her trauma and vulnerability, he is exactly what she needs, and he feels good about that. It was interesting to see the dichotomy in Kelsey's persona- the vibrant country singer who can hold a crowd in the palm of her hand, and the frightened victim who is just trying to hold it together for one more day. She drew out the hero in Knox, and he helped her feel protected and cherished for who she really is. They had great chemistry and the author did a fantastic job of showing them falling in love amid the turmoil in their lives. I loved the peace of the ranch and the way it calmed Kelsey, allowing her to realize the Lord's hand at work in her life. The pace is steady and quickens with each element of danger the characters face. Part of the story is shown from the perspective of Tate and Glo, and I'm excited for their story and the continuation of the suspenseful plot! All five books in the series are being released this year and I appreciate that we won't have long to wait between each book!

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

THE MONTANA MARSHALLS (family series)
 

Book 1: Knox
Book 2: Tate (July 2019)
Book 3: Ford (September 2019)
Book 4: Wyatt (October 2019)
Book 5: Ruby Jane (November 2019) 

Review: The Reluctant Warrior by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Union army officer Cameron Scott is used to being obeyed, but nothing about this journey to Lake Tahoe has gone as expected. He's come to fetch his daughter and nephew, and seek revenge on the people who killed his brother. Instead he finds himself trapped by a blizzard with two children who are terrified of him and stubborn but beautiful Gwen Harkness, who he worries may be trying to keep the children.

When danger descends on the cabin where they're huddled, Cam is hurt trying to protect everyone and now finds Gwen caring for him too. He soon realizes why the kids love her so much and wonders if it might be best for him to move on without them. When she sees his broken heart, Gwen decides to help him win back their affection--and in the process he might just win her heart as well.

My Review

This second book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series continues the adventure in the wilds of Nevada. I love the absolute remoteness of the setting, and in winter it's especially isolated. Cam is stuck in the rut of his officer persona, and it's pretty humbling for him to realize that he has to change in order to win the affections of the children. Gwen is the mother figure in the lives of the children, and it's humbling for her to help a difficult man who will soon take them away from her. There is plenty of humor blended in the circumstances, though, and I chuckled every time Gwen literally smacked Cam upside the head to let him know he needed to chill. The danger and suspense continues with Raddo terrorizing the group in order to silence the witnesses to his crimes. I liked that he was a bit more complex and unpredictable in this book, and it was challenging for Trace, Cam, and the others to secure the homestead. The romance that develops between Cam and Gwen is hesitant and sweet, and it was nice to see them find a happy ending together.

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

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Within These Lines by Stephanie Morrill

Welcome to the Blog & Review Tour - and Giveaway - for Within These Lines by Stephanie Morrill, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Within These Lines  

Author: Stephanie Morrill  

Publisher: Blink YA  

Genre: Historical Young Adult Fiction  

Release Date: March 5, 2019

When Evalina Cassano and Taichi Hamasaki are torn apart by the events following the attack on Pearl Harbor, they must fight if they want any hope of returning to one another before World War II steals their future together. Within These Lines is one unflinching, haunting, historical novel you don’t want to miss; perfect for fans of Monica Hesse, Ruta Sepetys, and Elizabeth Wein.

Evalina Cassano’s life in an Italian-American family living in San Francisco in 1941 is quiet and ordinary until she falls in love with Taichi Hamasaki, the son of Japanese immigrants. Despite the scandal it would cause and that inter-racial marriage is illegal in California, Evalina and Taichi vow they will find a way to be together. But anti-Japanese feelings erupt across the country after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Taichi and his family are forced to give up their farm and move to a Japanese-American internment camp.

Degrading treatment makes life at Manzanar Relocation Center difficult. Taichi’s only connection to the outside world is treasured letters from Evalina. Feeling that the only action she can take to help Taichi is to speak out against injustice, Evalina becomes increasingly vocal at school and at home. Meanwhile, inside Manzanar, fighting between different Japanese-American factions arises. Taichi begins to doubt he will ever leave the camp alive.

With tensions running high and their freedom on the line, Evalina and Taichi must hold true to their ideals and believe in their love to make a way back to each other against unbelievable odds.  

Within These Lines:

• Is a young adult historical novel set in the World War II era
• Contains themes of love, separation, social justice, war, and diversity
• Perfect for junior high and high school students
• A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Christian Book | iTunes

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EXCERPT

 Click here to download an excerpt from the book!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie Morrill writes books about girls who are on an adventure to discover their unique place in the world. She is the author of several contemporary young adult series, as well as the 1920s mystery, The Lost Girl of Astor Street, and the WWII era romance, Within These Lines. Since 2010, Stephanie has been encouraging the next generation of writers at her website, GoTeenWriters.com. She lives in the Kansas City area, where she loves plotting big and small adventures to enjoy with her husband and three children. You can connect with Stephanie and learn more about her books at StephanieMorrill.com, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.  

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR: website | facebook | twitter | instagram
 

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GIVEAWAY

(1) Grand Prize winner will win a release copy of Within These Lines & a special designed poster of Within These Lines from the publisher, Blink YA. Featured quote on poster: "Be Brave Enough to Care and Bold Enough to Act"

(5) First Prize winners will each with a special designed poster of Within These Lines from the publisher, Blink YA. Featured quote on poster: "Be Brave Enough to Care and Bold Enough to Act"

Be sure to check out each stop on the Bookstagram Tour and (upcoming) Takeover Tour, as well as this tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway began at midnight March 5, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 18, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US mailing addresses valid. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Be sure to stop at the following tours for more chances to win!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review & Giveaway: A Guarded Heart by Heidi Kimball

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Three years after a shocking scandal destroyed her family and forced her into isolation, Eleanor Hayward finally has an opportunity to put her painful history and dashed hopes behind her. But reentering society is no simple task. In her cousin's glittering ballroom, Eleanor is stunned when she comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart those years before.

Edmund Fletcher thought he had laid the past to rest until he unexpectedly encounters the woman who so nearly became his wife. Soon to be engaged to another, Edmund knows he must let go of the complicated feelings he harbors for Eleanor. However, when the Hayward scandal resurfaces and the truth behind their parting is revealed, Eleanor and Edmund are left reeling. Tormented by thoughts of what could have been, they realize it is impossible to rewrite history. But is there a future in which they might both find happiness—and true love?

My Review

I loved the creative storytelling in this bittersweet Regency romance, with alternating perspectives of Eleanor and Edward, and also the past and present. It allowed details to unfold gradually and added  elements of suspense and anticipation to the plot. Conflict due to misunderstanding isn't my favorite, but the characters were complex and well-developed, drawing me into their world and emotions. The relationship between Eleanor and Edmund was a pleasure to read, and it was gratifying to see them have a second chance at love after everything went so wrong. So happy to have a new Regency author to follow and read!

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

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Follow the Blog Tour . . .

March 4^th: Brightly Street | The Keele Deal | My Book a Day | Mel's Shelves

March 5^th: Bookworm Lisa | Wishful Endings  | Bonnie Gets a Say | Empower Moms | Joy in the Moments

March 6^th: LDS Writer Mom | Fire and Ice Reads | Life is What it's Called

March 7^th: Getting Your Read On | Singing Librarian Books | Katie's Clean Book Collection | LDS and Lovin' It

March 8^th: Min Reads and Reviews | Literary Time Out | Heidi Reads... | Books are Sanity

#RomanceIsInTheAir - Author Taylor Dean, Freebie & Giveaway

 

   

A Me and You Thing by Taylor Dean  

THE DEEPEST HEARTACHE IS THE ONE YOU DON'T SEE COMING. 

Golden couple, Sawyer and Quinn Denali, have an amazing love story. A match in every way, their happiness is evident to all who spend time with them. The arrival of twin baby girls completes their picture-perfect family. 

When Quinn has the opportunity to help others on a two-week volunteer trip, she reluctantly leaves her family, knowing a short break from the demands of motherhood will be good for her. She doesn't expect the trip to change her life forever. But it does. It changes everything. 

Struggling from day to day, the young family moves forward, finding happiness . . . and love. 

But fate isn't done mixing things up in their lives. When an unexpected event leaves them all reeling, the unspoken question rings loudly and can't be ignored: "What happens now?" 

A Me and You Thing is a novel that explores the strength of enduring love and friendship.

    

 

He lightly brushes my lips with his own, and I scoot a little closer. Mmmmmm, five years of marriage and my attraction for this man has never waned. I never knew I could love someone so much. Even better, he feels the same about me. We’re far from perfect, yet we’re a perfect match for each other.

Frankly, that’s as perfect as love gets.

I bury my head in his warm chest, listening to the sound of his strong heartbeat. He hasn’t let himself go since we married. He runs every morning at unspeakable hours and, like a fine bottle of wine, ripens with age.

“Are you sure I should go on my trip? I’m consumed with guilt every time I think about it.”

I love our life together in our shingle-style two-story beach house on 5201 Beachcomber Lane. It’s a decent size home, even if it’s a little on the older side. No matter, I adore it. It might not be directly on the beach, but we have amazing ocean views from the second story. Close enough.

“You’ll be doing something important, Quinn, something that really matters. I love you for wanting to go, for wanting to help. Your passport arrived yesterday. See, it’s a sign. The universe just sent you a telegram.”

A light scoff emerges from me. He runs his hands through my longish blond hair. My brown eyes close while I enjoy his tender touch.

“What was I thinking? I don’t want to leave you or our babies.”

“Hey, it’s only two weeks, sweetheart. In the scheme of things, that’s hardly any time at all . . .”

  

     

     

     

Author Taylor Dean 

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it's paranormal, contemporary, or suspense--you'll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.   

  

     

  

   

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/29/19 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

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