Review: Unsung Hero by Barbara Ankrum

Second chances are Nio Reyes’ specialty. He pulled himself out of childhood poverty to wealthy and helped his Navy SEAL brother’s team recover after a mission went south. When he returns to his Laguna Beach hometown for a friend’s wedding, Nio will need all of his redemption skills to win back the woman he was forced to leave behind without an explanation ten years ago.

Becca Howard has quit believing in happily-ever-after’s. Scandal has ruined her once wealthy family, and betrayal has ended her engagement. She’s done with men or so she thinks. When Nio rises out of the ocean like a Greek god and announces he wants her back, she wants to run almost as much as she wants to stay. Forgiving him is not an option. Getting over him is impossible.

With secrets and family lies still standing in their way, can one long overdue weekend together in Laguna change everything?

My Review:

Becca Howard and Nio Reyes had a relationship ten years ago.  But then Nio left Laguna without telling Becca why he was leaving or where he was going.  So, it was a surprise to Becca when she ran into Nio one morning while out taking pictures of the waves and surfers. 

Nio was back in town for the wedding of some friends.  He was also back to fix up a house for his father.  But, the main reason Nio was back was Becca.  He found out about her recent breakup with her fiancé.  And, because Becca’s disapproving father was no longer in the picture, Nio thought he might have a chance with Becca again.  Nio would do anything to prove his love to Becca. 

I admit, when I first started reading this book, I got a little lost with all of the characters.  I didn’t really understand what they had to do with this story.  But as I read more, it all fell in place and I really learned to like all of them.  I really liked Nio and Becca and enjoyed learning their story.  Their backgrounds were well defined and it created true to life characters that I couldn’t help but get caught up in their lives.  The role reversal of a rich girl and a poor boy, to a poor girl and a rich guy, was an interesting twist.  This book is the beginning of a new series and it started it off on a good note.  I look forward to reading the books that will follow this one. 

 

Review: The Prince's Scandalous Wedding Vow by Jane Porter

She saved the merciless prince…

Now she must meet him at the altar!

When sweet scientist Josephine rescues a drowning stranger, she’s captivated by his devastating good looks and charm. Alexander doesn’t remember who he is, but the desire in his eyes sweeps innocent Josephine on an intensely passionate journey! Until it’s revealed he’s Prince Alexander, heir to the throne of Aargau… Now the threat of scandal means this shy Cinderella must become a royal bride!

Indulge in this deeply emotional royal romance!

My Review:

When Josephine jumped in the ocean to rescue someone who fell off a yacht, she had no idea it was the mysterious man she had seen on the beach with his friends.  She also had no idea he was really a prince.

Prince Alexander woke up with no memory of who he was or where he was.  He definitely didn’t know he was engaged to be married soon or about to become King of Aargau.  But, he did know that he was attracted to the woman who was caring for him.  She was smart, beautiful and loving.  And, he could tell she wanted him as much as he wanted her.  But, when Josephine’s father returned to the secluded Greek island where they lived, he knew exactly who Alexander was and he called the authorities to have him taken home to his family.

Josephine and Alexander only had a week together, but it was long enough for her to end up pregnant.  How will Alexander react when he finds out?

As soon as I started reading this book, I knew I was going to have a hard time putting it down.  I was intrigued by Josephine’s life on a secluded island with her volcanologist father.  Then, there was Alexander, the prince who was about to be married, on a bachelor cruise with his friends, who ends up fighting with someone and going overboard and ending up with amnesia.  It was fun to read about a hero with amnesia, especially a royal one.  The story moved along nicely and had a lot of memorable scenes.  How Alexander ended up going overboard remained a mystery through the book and I was surprised to find out how it happened and who was responsible.  Reading this book was a pleasurable way to spend a few hours.  I only wish it was longer.  I would enjoy reading more about these characters.

 

Review: Carter's Cowgirl (Quinn Valley Ranch #8) by Melissa McClone

Carter Quinn has one goal—to make his organic farm a success. Working the land leaves no time for romance, but that’s okay with him. He’ll do whatever is necessary to take Quinn Organics to the next level, including hiring a consultant.

Avery Scott loves helping her consulting clients succeed while proving she’s more than a pretty face. Being disappointed and hurt one too many times keeps her from getting close to others, but Carter’s work ethic and kindness tempt her to lower her guard.

As the two work together, Avery’s commitment to helping make Carter’s dreams come true touches his heart. She fits perfectly on his farm, and he can picture them as a couple, even though her job will take Avery away from him. He wants to show her what they could have together, but is she willing to take a chance on him…and love?

My Review:

Carter Quinn inherited Quinn Organics from Ben Martin, who was like a second father to him.  Carter wanted the farm to be a success to keep Ben’s legacy alive.  When he was ready to take it to the next level, he hired Avery Scott, an organic farming consultant, to help him come up with a plan.  Avery was nothing like Carter expected her to be.  She was pretty and smart and Ben couldn’t keep his eyes off her.

Avery was used to men looking at her, but she didn’t like it.  It had been a source of problems for her all of her life.  She tried to play down her looks, but men still looked.  She found it hard to keep jobs, so she started her own business as a consultant to farmers who were looking for ways to turn a bigger profit.  Avery didn’t date or indulge in affairs, but when she met Carter, her mind worked overtime.  She wanted him and she fought her emotions whenever they were together.  Little did Carter or Avery know, working together was about to change both of their lives. 

This was a really sweet book.  I loved the dynamics between Avery and Carter.  And Carter’s grandmother was a hoot.  I loved how close the Quinn family was and how they stepped up to help each other when needed.  The story was very realistic and easy to follow.  I wasn’t ready for it to end when it did.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good clean small town romance.

 

 

Review: Tortitude: The BIG Book of Cats with a BIG Attitude by Ingrid King

 

Explore the wonderful world of tortoiseshell cats and tortoiseshell cat behavior

Tortie cat behavior: With about 2 million tortoiseshell cats in the United States, these special felines tend to be strong-willed, a bit hot-tempered, and often very possessive of their humans. Other words used to describe torties are fiercely independent, feisty and unpredictable. In Tortitude: The BIG Book About Cats With a BIG Attitude, cat expert Ingrid King (The Conscious Cat) brings her professional and personal experience to explore why these cats are so special. With expert insights combined with stunning photography and passages dedicated to the cats and their passionate guardians, King offers a new perspective on these exceptional cats.


My Review:

I have been a follower of The Conscious Cat Blog for years.  The cat tips, advice and product reviews are always very helpful.  I also enjoy hearing about Ruby and Allegra's antics.  I was also first introduced to the term "tortitude" through the blog.

I had a slight idea what tortitude was, but I found out first hand when I adopted my new little girl Honolulu "Lulu".  When I was presented with a chance to read this book, I got really excited.  It was much more than I expected.  The book is filled with lots of beautiful cat photos, quotes and lots of interesting information about tortoiseshell cats.

This book is a must read for anyone who has ever been loved by one these special cats with their unique personalities.

Purchase: Tortitude: The BIG Book of Cats with a BIG Attitude by Ingrid King   


Meet my little tortitude girl, Honolulu "Lulu"

Review: Carrigan Christmas Reunion by CJ Carmichael

Wren’s most perfect Christmas ever is turning into a nightmare. The Carrigan family is in chaos with various medical issues, no one has put up the tree or done any Christmas baking. The only bright spot is Harris Quinby, a ranch hand at the Circle C, who manages to be there for Wren every time her family lets her down.

Harris Quinby has never forgotten the summer Wren spent on her grandfather’s ranch when she was fourteen and he was sixteen. She’d changed his life that month, and now he finally has the chance to thank her…but what if he falls in love with her instead?

Spend Christmas with the Carrigan family at the Circle C Ranch in Montana 

My Review: 

An emotional reunion.

All Wren Bishop wanted was to go home and spend time with her family.  She thought this would be the best Christmas ever.  It turned out to be anything but that.  Her family was plagued by illnesses and stress.  And, her Boyfriend decides not to join her as they had planned.  But, Wren did reunite with her old friend Harris Quinby, who still works at the ranch.   Wren had a huge crush on Harris when she was only 14.  He gave Wren her first kiss.  But Harris knew Wren was too young for him and backed away.  Neither of them had seen each other since then.  Now that they are both grown up, they just might have a chance at love.

This book is a short story, but it is packed with so much information, you would think it was a full length book.  Some authors just can’t get it right when they do short stories.  Information can be missing or the story feels rushed.  But, CJ Carmichael gets this right.  She didn’t miss anything.  I fully enjoyed the story and reuniting with some of my favorite characters from past books.  This is a hard book to review without giving away too many details, so I will keep it short.  All I have to say is if you have read any of the books in the Carrigans of Circle C or saw the Hallmark Channel’s version of A Bramble House Christmas, you’ll want to read this book. 

Carrigan Christmas Reunion is currently only available in e-book through Tule Publishing.

Buy your copy here: The Tule Bookshop