Romance Book Review: The Coulter Brothers

A friend passed the word on about this book series by Rachel Hanna which sparked a who discussion on e-book editing. The simple fact is everyone needs an editor, especially me, but do we decide that a book is no good because the editing is bad. Judging from the results of these books on Amazon the answer to the question is no. I tend to agree. In the case of this series, the author many times confused the names of the characters. It was a little distracting during the read, especially by Book 3 when I had seen it too many times to count. 

However, this series is generally well written, I like the country voice in the first book, Lost and Found. By the third book the voice changed to a more modern set and the characters flowed together really well. 

I will say with all the stories I would like to see more character development and more relationship building throughout the story, but they are what the are...short, reads at an inexpensive price with typo-os and a need for a better editor not withstanding I can still give them a pretty fair rating, not the highest, however if you are look for a fun read check this series out. 

Lost And Found 

The Coulter Brothers Book 1

Purchase Link: Amazon

Description: 

If you love romance cowboy books, this is a great series for you! 

When big-city girl Audrey wakes up on the cold, front porch of a working ranch, she’s got lots of questions. But before she can answer them, she’s greeted by three handsome brothers — cowboys — and their Ma, complete with a warm feast and a welcoming smile. 

Following the doctor’s orders to stay put for a few days, Audrey makes herself useful around the ranch; baling hay and hunting for coyotes. But the cowboys, one handsome one in particular, want to get to the bottom of her story. 

Can she trust these people she just met? And what she’s about to reveal is a dark past she’s trying to escape. Will the ranch be the future she’s looking for, or can she turn back to her flashy, city-sicker lifestyle?

Breaking Away

The Coulter Brothers Book 2

Purchase Link: Amazon

Description:

If you love romance cowboy books, this is the series for you! 

Jace Coulter looks like a cowboy but he certainly doesn't feel like one. As the middle brother at the Coulter ranch in Wolf, Wyoming he's been groomed to become the business manager. He's resigned to his fate until feisty Kelsey Harper drops into his life. 

A tough-as-nails lawyer, Kelsey might be just what he needs to turn his life around. It may not be the right time for romance, though. The Coulter ranch is in big trouble and Kelsey is the only one with the know-how to save them. 

But Gage and Riley aren't onboard with her plan and time is running out. Can Jace win her heart and convince his brothers to accept her before it's too late?

Night and Day

The Coulter Brothers Book 3

Purchase Link: Amazon

This is book 3 of The Coulter Brothers Cowboy Romance Series. Check out books 1 and 2 also. 

With the Coulter ranch in serious trouble, free-spirited Riley is being forced to grow up and fast. 

When he and Sam have a drunken fling one night, he’s had just about enough of his womanizing ways. He’s tired of always kicking women out of bed and enduring awkward mornings. 

But when Sam gets pregnant, Riley isn’t sure he can handle the responsibility. His reaction almost drives Sam away forever. It’s up to Riley to come through and be the man he’s always meant to be and love the woman he’s always meant to be with.

Romance Book Review: Finding Happy

Author: Zanne Sweeney

Series Connection: Happy Montana

ISBN: 0692341889

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Motorcycle Club Romance

Publisher: author published

Purchase Link: Amazon

Breezy thought she had a great marriage until one shattering moment changed her world entirely. The man she had been married to for 20 years, turned out to be a cheater and suddenly everyone was telling her she should forgive him, even her two daughters. 

Escaping to clear her head, Breezy takes a long driving trip and ends up in Happy, Montana where she rents a cabin in the hills. There she meets the head of a motorcycle club, Tank, and his Game Warden brother, Toby. While Breezy finds friendship and someone to talk to she begins to heal. Soon she is ready to take the next step with Toby, only to quickly an emergency sends her back to New Jersey and her relationship with Toby a mess.

Breezy returns to Happy, Montana with another big change in her life and someone out to harm her. 

This is generally a good read with a really good story line. The author has a good voice, but unfortunately it takes a step back with poor editing, including dozens of type-os and a slip of a name change in the middle of the story. If you aren't one to worry over a few type-os than you might really enjoy this book. It is the beginning of a series, with Toby's brother Tank being the subject of the next book that has just been released this month. 

Description:

Twenty three year old Breezy Lockhardt Vinchellie skipped right over the ‘falling in love’ stage of dating, and right into a marriage that she was not prepared for. Like many women, it’s easier to avoid disagreements and just ‘do.’ So that’s what Breezy did, and she did it well. She raised two wonderful children, always putting the needs of her family ahead of her own. It was what was easiest and it was also what was expected. 

Twenty years later has Breezy finally found happiness? Her life is simpler, her job is rewarding, her daughters are enjoying college life, and her husband is more attentive to her than ever before. Life is good; until Breezy discovers a well-kept secret that turns her world upside down. 

Her life is in shambles until two gorgeous, sexy brothers reawaken the passionate and resilient women Breezy once was.

This is the first novel in the Happy, Montana series. I hope you fall in love with all the characters of this small rural town, starting with Toby and Tank O’Brian, brothers who could not be more different, except they may want the same woman. This book has it all: adventure, heartache, hope, angst, love, and sizzling passion.

Romance Book Review: Jeanne Harrell's Rancher's Girl

Author: Jeanne Harrell

Series Connection: Rancher Series

Genre: Contemporary Western Romance

Publisher: author published

Purchase Link: Amazon

Looking for a new start Lily moves from California's San Francisco region to small town Nevada and takes on a teaching job for special needs children. There she meets Sandy, the father of one of her students. A widower and rancher, Sandy isn't sure he has time to take on a relationship right now. Lily isn't sure a relationship is what she wants either, no matter how handsome Sandy is, but on thing leads to another and the two fall instantly in love. 

Lily's family has a history in the new town she moved to and a long time family secret could come between the two young lovers. 

This was a sweet love story and the characters were definitely likable. The western story line held true, even being a bit old fashioned. This book hold true romance and may not be something those used to reading erotic romance would enjoy. 

Description:

When pretty Lily Cable moves to a small town in Nevada to rebuild her life, the last thing on her mind was falling for local rancher Sandy Johnson. Neither was remotely interested in any romance. But they had more in common than they thought: He's a cowboy poet and she loved Jane Austen novels. They might have had a chance when old family secrets are exposed that throw their love in jeopardy.

Romance Book Review: Kathleen Ball's Texas Haven

Author: Kathleen Ball

Series Connection: The Dawson Ranch Series

ISBN: 978-1-61885-297-7

Genre: Western Romance, Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Secret Cravings Romance

Purchase Link: Secret Cravings

On an errand to check out a property in a small Texas town for her stepbrother Annie's rental car breaks down on the side of the road and Burke comes to her rescue. Before long the two are hitting off. When Annie learns that Burke is searching for a wife she throws her name into the ring. Burke is incredibly attracted to Annie, but he has had the worst experience with a city girl and knew that Annie wasn't made for ranch life and rejects her. 

Sending her away was for the best, but when he can't stop thinking at Annie, he sends for her asking to marry her. The only problem is not everyone is happy about the two being together and everything falls apart.

While I can't say this is the most original theme, I did like the way the author put it all together and I was able to easily immerse myself into this couple's world and read right through. I loved Annie's transition to make herself into a stronger person, but still keep her ability to help people along the way. Nicely done.  

Description:

Everything in Annie Douglas' life has taught her that men can’t be trusted. Although Burke is big, strong, and not seemingly gentle, Annie feels drawn to the handsome Texas cowboy. Upon discovering Burke’s advertisement for a wife, Annie shyly asks if he might consider her.  

   

Burke Dawson wants children; unfortunately, that also includes a wife. His first wife was a citified hellcat who stole half of his ranch. Now Burke’s determined to find an honest country girl with no expectations of love.

Misunderstandings, accidents, and treachery leads to Annie leaving shattered and alone. Can their shaking start lead to the possible loving relationship they both desire but neither is sure of?

Kimberly Krey's Cassie's Cowboy Crave: Witness Protection - Rancher Style

Author: Kimberly Krey

Series Connection: Sweet Montana Bride Series

ISBN: 1482710455

Genre: Sweet Romance

Publisher: Candle House Publishing

Purchase Link: Amazon

After serving on a jury that finds a gangster guilty, Cassie is set into witness protection on a ranch that has offered her protection. While there she meets and falls in love with Shane. Unfortunately, Cassie knows her time is limited and she can't possibly be more than a burden.

Shane's family has been taking in people from witness protection programs for years. In fact his two brothers have met their soul mate through the witness protection program. His family is convinced that Cassie is the woman for Shane, but Shane isn't too sure. Just because his brothers got lucky doesn't mean he will. 

I love the original premise to this story, not necessary the witness falls in love, but the idea that the program has no money to send witnesses to, so they take advantage of this underground network. Great idea. Shane and Cassie are perfect for each other. Shane is a great cowboy hero. It isn't necessary to read books one and two to enjoy this book, but you might want to check out books one and two first, or read them after you check out this one. 

Description:

Twenty-four-year-old Cassie Lovell has a great job, good friends, and an apartment with a killer view. That is, until life is turned upside down. Without the chance to say goodbye, Cassie is forced into a witness protection program on Emerson Ranch. Just when she fears life is doomed, Cassie meets Shane Emerson, the stunningly handsome cowboy who'll be posing as her newlywed groom.

Shane Emerson is determined not to fall for the woman he's agreed to harbor. Especially since the whole thing was his family's way of trying to get him hitched. So why is it when he takes Cassie into his home, Shane wants nothing more than to turn their make-believe marriage into more than just a sham?

In a moment of weakness, Shane steals a kiss.

In return, Cassie steals his heart.

Yet before they confess their undying love,

a hidden danger threatens to tear them apart.

*Though this novel is considered clean romance, it contains passionate kissing & a few mild curse words.

Romance Book Review: Amelia Rose's Learning To Love

Author: Amelia Rose

Series Connection: Carson Hill Ranch

ISBN: 978-1630227500

Genre: Cowboy Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Speedy Publishing

Purchase Link: Amazon

Running from her past Miranda takes Bernard Carson up on his offer to come out and marry one of his sons after meeting on an Internet dating service. At first when she finds out that her younger sister signed her up on the Cowboy Dating service she thought the idea was crazy, but when an abusive boyfriend goes to far she and her sister get on the next bus to see about the offer. 

Once she gets there she meets Casey, Bernard's oldest son. At first she thinks she made a big mistake, but soon get to know the young man and the two hit it off.

For the most part this isn't a bad cowboy romance. There are a few flaws, but nothing to fatal. I would have liked to have seen more development of characters together as a couple. There are two set conflict scenes that are handled rather quickly. Either would have made a good source of a longer conflict in the story and added to the plot. 

I did like that this story was a sweet romance and there were no overt sex scenes, although that didn't meant there wasn't something left to the readers imagination. An okay start for a long series. I'll give the series a second look and check out the next one in the series. 

Description

This is book 1 in the Carson Hill Ranch Series 

For Miranda, Newark has nothing to offer except a dead-end job, a crummy apartment, and an abusive boyfriend. But when her younger sister signs her up for an online dating website to prove to her the kinds of guys who would be interested in her, she starts an online connection with the perfect guy. He's handsome, he's a real-life cowboy, and...he's in his seventies! 

Miranda steps off the bus to find the man of her dreams waiting for her, only he doesn't know it. His elderly father, concerned that his six sons are isolated on their highly prosperous 800,000-acre ranch signed up one of his oldest boys and did a little matchmaking behind their backs. 

Now Miranda and Casey have a choice to make, but will they be willing to put aside their mistrust and give this a shot, or go their separate ways?

Romance Book Review: Sarah Makela The Witch Who Cried Wolf

Author: Sarah Makela

Series Connection: Cry Wolf

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance 

Publisher: Kissa Press

Purchase Link: Amazon

Right now this book is available Free on Kindle.

Reluctant witch Mia is asked by her friend to whip up a healing potion for a customer. No happy being cornered into making the potion, Mia doesn't really pay close enough attention who she is really making the potion for. 

To make matters worse her brother asks her to pick up his best friend and Mia's secret crush from the airport. To say the least she would rather not pick Ethan up, but can't say no to her brother. 

Meanwhile she has decided she's not sure she wants to be with her current boyfriend, but decides she can break his heart during the holidays, so decides to keep her relationship going through the holidays. 

Not that everything is going so great now, but it just seems to get worse and worse after picking Ethan up from the airport. 

Ethan has been in love and lust with Mia since they were both younger, but being her brother's best friend he can't see things going forward in a relation between the two of them. He isn't exactly thrilled when Mia picks him up from the airport and less thrilled when he and Mia are attacked by a wolf in the airport parking lot. 

Everything is about to change in soldier Ethan's well ordered life. Most importantly thought he needs to keep his hands off Mia, if he can. 

I want to like this book in so many ways, but during the book there are a few unanswered questions. Also, I had no idea it was a serial and that while this ends with an apparent happy ending, it goes on with more stories about Mia and Ethan. I wanted to learn more about Ethan and find out if Mia's brother had any special reason why he sent Mia to the airport to pick up Ethan. It seemed there was more to the story but we never hear it. 

Also it seems part of Mia's story of how she is a real witch, not just a Wicca, but does her family know or not? I may pick up the next book to see if some questions are answered or not. 

Description: 

Be careful what you wish for… 

A potion gone wrong: Mia Brooks is a reluctant witch, with powers that she tries to hold in check. But when her magic gets mixed up, supernatural forces are unleashed and suddenly she’s being pursued by werewolves—that she didn’t even realize existed… 

Hidden emotions: Ethan Parker, Mia’s brother’s best friend, is home from deployment for the holidays. Mia’s not only hiding from werewolves, she’s trying to keep her feelings for Ethan secret; it would be a disaster if he knew she’s been nursing a long-time crush… 

The power of love: things take a terrifying turn when Mia and Ethan are attacked by a werewolf. Ethan is amazed when Mia reveals her paranormal prowess as she tries to shield them from danger. But can she really protect them from the darkness that lurks? And how can he tell her that, for ages, he’s been denying what he really wants? Mia... 

The Cry Wolf series 

#1 - The Witch Who Cried Wolf (available now) 

#1.5 - Cold Moon Rising (February 2014) 

#2 - The Wolf Who Played with Fire (Spring 2014)

Romance Book Review: TK Lawyer's Nightfall

Author: TK Lawyer

ISBN-13: 978-1910397381

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Luminosity Publishing LLP

Purchase Link: Amazon

When Tamara takes in a stray dog she becomes very attached and falls instantly in love with her new pet. What she doesn't realize is that the "dog" she calls Nightfall is really not a dog at all but a half wolf-half man. 

Josh has known that Tamara was his mate for a while now, but she wouldn't date him as long as she was counselling his nephew. Now that he has an in with her, Josh is taking it slow to give her a chance to get to know him, but when Tamara finds out that her beloved pet is really a man who claims to be her mate will she be able to accept Josh for who he is?

To be honest for a while into this book I wasn't sure that I liked it. I kept wondering when is this guy going to show her he's a man? Eventually I started to understand the author spent so long trying to show Josh's dedication for Tamara. I really started to like his character more and more, but because a little annoyed that it seemed to take no time for Tamara to fall for Josh as Nightfall, but then months before she would accept him as Josh. 

Even with all that, this is a book that those who like paranormal will enjoy. It was definitely a different approach to this romance sub-genre.  

Description:

Tamara’s spicy scent, thrills, seduces, and weakens him like no other. She is his and he wants her. Unfortunately, she is done with men. Tamara has been burned too many times in the past, and she’s not looking for a relationship…ever. But when she finds a stray dog on her doorstep, she decides she wants a relationship with a male, after all—that of pet and pet owner. 

Josh is not a dog, and he has no interest in staying her pet. He has one burning desire—Tamara—in his bed, nightly and permanently. He will stop at nothing to convince Tamara they are better together, and that he needs her, forever. 

Their paths are intertwined and their future is inevitable, but will Tamara allow Josh to love, cherish, and protect her? Or will she say goodbye to the amazing, dedicated man, whose loyalty and sweet promises could shatter her walls completely, and consume her with desire? 

Reader Advisory: This book contains intense, romantic loving, and moments of explosive cravings between an adorable, part sweet/part devilish half-wolf, and his delectable, feisty human mate.