Review: Bear’s Heart (The Calhouns & Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch Book 2) by Jane Porter

 

World champion bull rider, Braden ‘Bear” Anderson is a Montana legend in and out of the arena, but when a horrifying accident in Tulsa leaves him fighting for his life, many fear for Bear’s future. Determined to live independently, he hires a design company to remodel his luxury log cabin to accommodate his new needs, but when he arrives, and the work does not meet his specifications, he furiously fires the crew.

Josie Calhoun is no stranger to challenge. A passionate advocate for universal design after growing up with a younger brother with special needs, she’s determined to ensure that Bear’s cabin is everything he needs and wants. Bear is fierce, but Josie’s not intimidated and immediately gets to work. She soon realizes Bear needs more than an accessible home, he needs a new purpose.

Josie’s family objects to how much time she spends with Bear, but she’s never been happier. Bear knows he doesn’t deserve Josie, and thinks he should push her out the door. But can he let go of the best part of his life?

 

My Review:

A powerful love story.

From the first few pages, I knew this book was going to be special.  It is truly some of Jane Porter’s best work.  A fabulous romance/women’s fiction story about Bear, a paraplegic former rodeo star who was injured during a bull riding event.  He feels he is unworthy of love because he will be a burden to anyone who falls in love with him.  But then he met Josie, who had her own struggles growing up and has two handicapped family members.  She knows what it takes to love someone in Bear’s condition.  The story takes you on an emotional roller-coaster as Bear and Josie get to know each other and eventually fall in love. 

I highly recommend this book.  It is a heartfelt and emotional story about how far someone will go for love. There is another author, who has had many books turned into movies, I don’t know if I can say his name, but his initials are N.S.  This book has all the feels of one of his books/movies where you are taken on an emotional journey through an unforgettable love story.       

 

Review: Sworn to Defend (Sworn Navy SEALs #3) by Charlee James

Shot during a mission and falling to what he thinks is his death, Branch has one regret….

Navy SEAL Hunter “Branch” Green has one goal when he leaves the military hospital—finally tell the pretty flight medic how he feels about her and her autistic teenage son. He’s played it safe for too long, but the mission to win her trust and her heart might be his most challenging yet.

After lifetime of being criticized and disappointed by her family who should have loved her, single mom Hannah Day is fiercely independent. Her walls have walls, and if her son needs anything or something needs doing, she relies only on herself. But the protective, handsome SEAL with a dimpled smile, who has a soft streak for her son a mile wide and a need to help others, is difficult to resist.

Hannah wants to stay strong, but when she’s summoned home to Texas for her youngest sister’s speedy, high society wedding, something feels off, even dangerous. Can she rely on Hunter’s help or will this be one more disappointment for Hannah and her son?

 

My Review:

Great Chemistry.

This is a fast-paced book that I just wanted to read it in one sitting.  Hunter is a Navy SEAL, who is on medical leave, and Hannah is an independent, single mom, raising her autistic son on her own, while working a high pressure job as a flight medic.  The chemistry between Hannah and Hunter was amazing. I really liked how Hunter was a father figure to Hannah’s son, Collin, even prior to them dating.  There is also a bit of suspense in the story, and through it all, Hunter proves his love for Hannah by being by her side the entire time.  It’s an all-around great book. 

 

Review: Maid of Dishonor (The Wedding Bell Mysteries #4) by Nancy Robards Thompson

Instead of walking down the aisle, the bride is suspected of murder….

Maddie Bell’s life and career have hit peak stride. She’s sold her cozy mystery series and is contracted for two more books; she’s engaged to Hemlock’s chief of police; and her mother has purchased and restored the beautiful historic mansion, Gracewood Hall, in their hometown of Hemlock, North Carolina. Three generations—Gigi, Maddie, and Jenna–are now happily engaged in the wedding and special event business.

But their highly scrutinized inaugural event—the wedding of an A-List social media influencer—becomes a murder scene before the rehearsal dinner. Kate Archer, the professional bridesmaid Jenna hired, is found bludgeoned by a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, not only threatening their new business, but also sending Jenna into a tailspin of guilt. She knew Kate from college and had begged her to fill in as the maid of honor.

Even as the police warn Maddie not to interfere with the investigation, mother and daughter set out to discover who killed Kate and dispel the growing rumors that Gracewood Hall is cursed.

 

My Review: 

Gracewood Hall is set for it’s grand opening and the first event is a social media influencer’s wedding.  But when a bride’s maid is murdered, Gracewood Hall becomes a crime scene.  Against police orders, Maddie and Jenna put their sleuthing skills to work to figure out who the killer is.

This is fun and unpredictable story with unforgettable characters and a great plot.  The story takes a lot of twists and turns and I couldn’t wait to find out who the killer was.