Book Review: To Save a Child by Linda Warren

To Save a Child by Linda Warren

Publisher & Release: Harlequin Heartwarming, March 01, 2020 

Time and setting:  Present Day, Texas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 384 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweetheart

Rating:  4.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

A baby on the doorstep

Could change everything…

Detective Cole Chisholm is in Horseshoe, Texas, to take care of his grandfather. During a winter storm, a baby appears at his door, along with her aunt, Grace Bennett. Grace needs his help, and Cole reluctantly lets them stay while he investigates. Soon the by-the-book cop is breaking his own rules to protect them both. But how far will he go to make sure that both Grace and Zoe stay in his life?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Save-Child-Clean-Romance-Rebels-ebook/dp/B07VLBZ4JR

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-save-a-child-linda-warren

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48773606-to-save-a-child

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes to the publisher and Net-Galley for the chance to read and review To Save a Child by Linda Warren prior to publication. My opinions are my own and not influenced by the receipt of a complimentary e-copy.

To Save a Child is a heartwarming story of a family who needs to mend misconceptions and change how they relate to each other. It’s a story of a woman’s determination to save her niece at all cost. A story of a take-charge cop who offers to help.

Grace Bennett’s character is endearing. Her willingness to fight for her niece, even when faced with insurmountable obstacles is amazing. Her kindness to a grieving elderly man is touching, and her dedication to the elderly folks she’s responsible for as a director in an assisted living facility is moving.

Cole Chisholm is a great hero. His tenderness toward his grandfather, even though his memories of his childhood differ from reality, touched my heart. He’s not used to showing his emotions, so I loved the way Grace encourages him to see things from his past in a different light.

The romance develops quickly between Grace and Cole, but it grows from their mutual efforts to save Zoe. I loved their story and wants them to find their happy ending.

While there are redundancies and clichés, the story is so strong, I overlooked them as I became enmeshed in the book. I’m glad I did because I truly liked this excellent novel. If you enjoy clean romances with engaging characters and an intriguing plot, then you will love To Save a Child as much as I. Ms. Warren is an amazing storyteller, and I will look for other books by her. Happy reading! 

Author Bio:

Linda Warren loves happy endings. The Rita® nominated and award-winning author has written 26 books for Harlequin, including Super Romance, American and Everlasting Love. Drawing upon her years of growing up on a farm/ranch in Texas, she writes about sexy heroes, feisty heroines and broken families with an emotional punch all set against the backdrop of Texas. She lives in College Station with her husband and spends her days doing what she loves--creating unforgettable love stories--with happy endings.

Social Media:

Website: http://www.lindawarren.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlindawarren

Twitter: https://twitter.com/texauthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/texasauthor/

Book Review: An Inconvenient Duke by Anna Harrington

An Inconvenient Duke by Anna Harrington

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, February 25, 2020

Time and setting:  Regency England: London

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 384 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

All's fair in war...and in love...

Marcus Braddock, former general and newly appointed Duke of Hampton, is back from war. Now, not only is he surrounded by the utterly unbearable ton, he's mourning the death of his beloved sister, Elise. Marcus believes his sister's death wasn't an accident, and he's determined to learn the truth—starting with Danielle Williams, his sister's beautiful best friend.

Danielle is keeping deadly secrets of her own. She has dedicated her life to a charity that helps abused women—the same charity Elise was working for the night she died. When Danielle's work puts her life in danger, Marcus comes to her rescue. But Danielle may not be the one in need of rescuing...

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Inconvenient-Duke-Lords-Armory-Book-ebook/dp/B07Y5PF61Q

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-inconvenient-duke-anna-harrington

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48253362-an-inconvenient-duke

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes the publisher and Net-Galley for the chance to read and review An Inconvenient Duke by Anna Harrington prior to publication. A Regency historical romance with enthralling characters that will steal your heart. My opinions are my and not influenced in any way.

An Inconvenient Duke is the first book in Anna Harrington’s new series, Lords of the Armory. I am excited about this series and look forward to the next book with eager anticipation. Our initial glimpse of the Armory is fascinating. This novel has a great sub-plot that intrigued me and captured my attention, holding it to the end. 

Danielle Williams’s character is compelling. She isn’t afraid to defy the mores of the times, to fight for women’s rights. That’s played an important part in this story. Women during the Regency period had very few rights, so I could feel her frustration and understood why she wasn’t eager to wed any man. She’s dedicated to her charities, wanting to help women in abusive situations.

Marcus Braddock is the typical military hero on the surface, but underneath, he has an amazing tender side. He loved his sister and is determined to find the person who killed her. He’s protective of his niece and loves his mother. His respect for females comes through loud and clear. He’s the kind of hero who is easy to love, even when his domineering military attitude comes out.

The love between Danielle and Marcus is tender and sweet. IT grows as they work together to find the killer. Ms. Harrington is a master at building sexual tension, which is one of my favorite aspects of Regency romance I love the most. Although there is discord in the beginning, as the story progresses, they open up to each other and learn to trust one another. 

If you enjoy Regency romance with plenty of twists and a mystery to solve, then you will love An Inconvenient Duke as much as I. I look forward to reading the next book in this amazing series. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

I'm an author of spicy Regency romance with alpha heroes and independent heroines, layers of emotion, and lots of sizzle. I fell in love with historical romances and all things Regency--and especially all those dashing Regency heroes--while living in England, where I spent most of my time reading Jane Austen and getting lost in London (especially the getting lost part). I have traveled around the world, both as a tourist and as a volunteer with children's organizations in Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, and Mexico. I love to hike and fly airplanes, adore all things chocolate and coffee, and am a Doctor Who fanatic (everyone says my house *is* bigger on the inside!). 

I am a terrible cook who hopes to one day use my oven for something other than shoe storage. In my spare time, when I'm not writing or teaching, I enjoy tending the roses in my garden during the summer and reading historical romances during the winter. My fav authors are Elizabeth Hoyt (her Maiden Lane series is fantastic!), Sabrina Jeffries (fabulous emotion on every page), Lisa Kleypas (whose prose is simply divine!)and Sylvia Day (who isn't afraid to take historical romance in all kinds of new and hot directions). 

I've been writing since 2015, when All About Romance named me Best Debut Historical Romance Author for my debut series, THE SECRET LIFE OF SCOUNDRELS. DUKES ARE FOREVER won the 2016 Maggie Award for Best Historical Romance, and HOW I MARRIED A MARQUESS was a 2017 RITA finalist. ALONG CAME A ROGUE broke through the usual Regency romance tropes by being about a woman who is nothing like other traditional Regency heroines. And in ONCE A SCOUNDREL, we're taken twenty-five years into the future, to follow the loves and losses of the next generation of scoundrels.

Social Media:

Website: https://www.annaharringtonbooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annaharrington.regencywriter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aharrington2875

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna.harrington/?hl=en

Book Review: Tucker, Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas by Emily March

Tucker Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas by Emily March

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, February 25, 2020

Time and setting:  Present Day, Texas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 329 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

In Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas, New York Times bestselling author Emily March presents a brand new arc set in the Lone Star State that features a family-linked trilogy within the author's romantic series.

Hope springs eternal in this enchanting Texas town.

Meet Gillian Thacker. Her business: Bliss Bridal Salon. Her passion: Weddings. Her own wedding: It’s complicated. Life isn’t turning out like she’d planned. The last thing she wants is for a real-life hero to ride to her rescue when an unexpected event puts her entire future in Redemption, Texas, at risk. So what’s a broken-hearted bridal expert to do? Maybe a new set of survival skills is exactly what she needs…

Tucker McBride has been proud to call himself a U.S. Army Ranger. But now that his days of service are over, he’s decided to put his expertise to use by founding a wilderness skills training school. He sets up shop in Redemption, next to Bliss Bridal, and so begins life: Part Two. Marriage has been pretty low on his agenda, but as soon as he meets Gillian, Tucker can’t help but contemplate the ultimate challenge: Convincing the reluctant bride to take his hand and leap into the adventure of a lifetime. . .until death do they part.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Eternity-Springs-McBrides-Texas-Tucker-ebook/dp/B07SCTC5Q3

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eternity-springs-emily-march

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46039699-tucker

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publishing and Net-Galley for the chance to read and review Tucker Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas by Emily March before publication. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced them in any way.

I recently found Emily March’s Eternity Springs series, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. I immediately snagged Tucker when I found it on Net-Galley. As with the other books, Tucker pulled me in from the first page and held me engaged until the last page. The pacing is steady and worked well for this story. I loved the McBrides in Texas as much as the characters in Eternity Springs.

Gillian Thacker’s character has a good deal of depth, making her a compelling character. She’s independent and wants her new business venture to succeed. I never liked her fiancée from the start, so I was glad when their engagement ended. I felt her anger and frustration over how it dissolved though.

Tucker McBride is a great hero with many facets to his character. He had a career as a U.S. Army Ranger and was smart enough to realize when it was time to leave. He still suffers from what happened while a ranger, but his determination to move beyond it is inspiring. Although attracted to Gillian, he keeps his distance until she breaks off her engagement. Then he pursues her, determined to win her heart.

I thoroughly enjoyed the romance between Gillian and Tucker. It’s clear from their first meeting they are perfect for each other. He’s so patient with Gillian and accepts she needs time to trust her feelings after her breakup. They captivated me, and I was so pleased they found their way to each other.

If you enjoy romance with a character-driven plot and touching base with past characters from the Eternity Springs series, then you will love Tucker as much as I did. While this can easily be read as a stand-alone novel, I encourage you to read Ms. March’s Eternity series. It’s amazing. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Social Media:

Website: https://emilymarch.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilymarchbooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilymarchbooks/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/emilymarch/boards/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/emily-march

Book Review: Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor

Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, February 25, 2020

Time and setting:  Regency England: London

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 361 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Wild, Wild Rake, the next sweeping, emotional, witty, and sharp romance in the Cavensham Heiresses series from beloved author Janna MacGregor.

Her first marriage was an epic fail.

Lady Avalon Warwyk never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it’s a blessing when she’s widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become businesswomen. She’s lived these past ten years with no desire to remarry—that is, until Mr. Devan Farris comes to town.

Can he convince her to take another chance at happily ever after?

Devan Farris—charming vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian—is reluctantly sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. Devan wishes he didn’t have to meddle in her affairs; he’s not one to trod on a woman’s independent nature and keen sense of convictions. But she’ll have nothing to do with a vicar with a wild reputation—even though he’s never given his heart and body to another. If only he could find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside—a good, true soul looking for its other half. But how can prove that he wants to love and care for her. . .until death do they part?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Wild-Rake-Cavensham-Heiresses-Book-ebook/dp/B07N666Q6Q

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wild-wild-rake-janna-macgregor

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43746057-wild-wild-rake

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the chance to read and review Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor in advance of release. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

This is by far the best book in the Cavensham Heiresses series. Wild, Wild Rake is an historical novel set in the Regency period and has all the characteristics I love most in this sub-genre. The pacing is excellent, and I became enmeshed in the story from the beginning and remain so until the end.

Lady Avalon Warwyk is an endearing heroine. She’s a nurturing mother to her son and will do whatever is needed to protect him. After years with a bully, now that she’s a widow, she will live her life as she wants, devoting her energy to her charity.

Devan Farris is a great hero. He’s unique since he’s a vicar. I can only recall reading two other novels with a man of God as the hero. His brother wants him to spy on the charming widow. His integrity makes him such an honorable man. He refuses to spy on Avalon, instead he tells her what his brother wanted him to do. I loved the tenderness he showed toward her son. He has an undeserved reputation as a rake, when he’s far, far from one which comes out in the story.

The romance between Avalon and Devan is lovely and fulfilling. There’s plenty of the sexual tension which makes Regency romance such a delight to read. They are perfect for each other, and I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy Regency romance with engaging characters and a great plot, then you will love Wild, Wild Rakeas much as I did. I’m so glad I took a chance and read this wonderful novel. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear from readers. 

Social Media:

Website: https://www.jannamacgregor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JannaMacGregor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JannaMacGregor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/janna-macgregor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jannamacgregor/

Book Review: Braking Hard by Gloria Joynt-Lang

Braking Hard by Gloria Joynt-Lang

Publisher & Release: The Wild Rose Press, February 12, 2020

Time and setting:  Present Day, Oregon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 282 Pages

Heat Level: Mild

Rating:  5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Gage O'Neill is an all-around nice guy and an Adonis in coveralls. With a thriving automotive business, a gorgeous girlfriend, and his ADHD under control, life is pretty incredible. But when he loses a loved one, Gage's perfect world unravels. Prone to bad choices, he's desperate to quell his rash behavior. Thankfully, hiring a curvy mechanic is the one impulsive decision he's gotten right.

Eden Sampario is destitute as a result of a confrontation turned violent with her former employer. When Gage mistakenly offers her a job, she readily accepts. But soon she wonders if she made the right decision. Resisting her sexy boss proves more challenging than an engine rebuild. Her only other option? Give in to temptation and risk not only her career but also her heart.

Welcome to Big C's automotive shop, a place where more than cars overheat. 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Braking-Storm-Harbor-Gloria-Joynt-Lang-ebook/dp/B082S7NSY9

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/braking-hard-gloria-joynt-lang

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49462404-braking-hard

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the chance to read and review Breaking Hard by Gloria Joynt-Lang prior to publication. A fascinating glimpse at a young man living with severe ADHD. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by receiving a complimentary e-copy.

Breaking Hard caught my attention from the first page and kept me enmeshed until the end. The pacing is fast when the story calls for it and slower at other times, making this book an entertaining reading experience. Her characters are well-developed, and the author made them so appealing, I easily fell in love with them. I only found one other book by Ms. Joynt-Lang, which is only available in print, or I would be downloading it!

Eden Sampario’s character has plenty of guts. Her occupation is not typical for a woman, but Eden is determined to prove she’s an expert mechanic in a male-dominated career. While I’m not normally enthused by a heroine with an occupation like hers, Ms. Joynt-Lang had me liking her from the start and made her career choice perfect for her. It was easy for me to become vested in her character.

Gage O’Neill is one of the most unique heroes I’ve stumbled across in a romance novel. He is engaging in a quirky way. Not only is he attractive, he’s a truly nice guy who understands his limitations due to his challenges. He suffers from ADHD. Ms. Joynt-Lang either did a ton of research or knows someone who suffers from this affliction. She paints an accurate picture of the disorder. I loved this aspect of the story because it made me fall in love with Gage immediately.

I too have individuals in my life who suffer from ADHD. When she describes Gage’s issue with tactile sensory overload, I identified right away. Sensory Integration is a very real issue for individuals with ADHD. I have two grandchildren with this disorder, each on a different end of the spectrum.

The romance between Eden and Gage is lovely, and I truly wanted them to find their happy ending. While there is a strong physical attraction between the couple, their emotional connection is what I enjoyed the most. I loved Eden’s easy acceptance and willingness to understand Gage. I also loved Gage’s acceptance of Eden into male-controlled environment. They are perfect for each other!

If you are looking for an engaging romance between unique characters that will tug at your heart from the start, and one with more substance than is normally found in contemporary romance, then you will love Breaking Hard as much as I did. I strongly urge you to read this amazing novel. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Gloria Joynt-Lang was born in France and raised in various locales throughout Canada. Before she started writing contemporary romance, she worked in the criminal justice system--technically spending time behind bars. 

As a Canadian, she's fanatic about hockey, poutine, and apologizing.

She currently resides in rural Alberta with her husband and their two dogs.

Social Media:

Website: https://www.gloriajoynt-lang.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/authorgloriajoyntlang/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/glojoyntlang

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyntlang/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gloriajoyntlang/

Book Review: The Amish Teacher's Dilemma by Patricia Davids

The Amish Teacher’s Dilemma 

by Patricia Davids

Publisher & Release: Zebra Books, February 18, 2020

Time and setting:  Present Day, North Country, Maine

Genre: Amish Fiction

Length: 224 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweetheart

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

The teacher next door could be the mother they need…

Will she return to her old life…or risk everything to build a new one?

Taking a schoolteacher position in another district is just the change Amish spinster Eva Coblentz needs. And with her new neighbor, blacksmith Willis Gingrich, struggling to raise his three orphaned siblings, Eva is determined to help them heal. But when her relatives insist she come home, Eva must choose between the life she left…and the one she’s growing to love.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VYTZGDJ?pd_rd_i=B07VYTZGDJ&ref

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-amish-teachers-dilemma-patricia-davids/1132759137

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50026787-the-amish-teacher-s-dilemma

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the chance to read and review The Amish Teacher’s Dilemma by Patricia Davids. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by a gift of an e-copy of this book.

The Amish Teacher’s Dilemma is a lovely Amish tale with an endearing heroine who is humble and modest. She’s given up on finding a husband and takes a teaching job in a new community. A friendship develops between her and her nextdoor neighbor. Could she hope something more can be in store for her?

Eva Coblentz is a delightful character with all the characteristics I love in an Amish Heroine. Her heart is as big as an ocean when it comes to the orphaned children living with their elder brother. She cares for them as if they were her own kinner.

Willis Gingrich is a charming hero. He’s ashamed and embarrassed by his inability to learn as others who find it so easy. He feels overwhelmed raising his three half-siblings. My heart hurt for him when he realizes his feelings for Eva are growing. He believes he is too far away from her on an intellectual level for her to ever return his regard.

The romance between Eva and Willis is sweet and based on their growing friendship. They quickly become best friends. I loved their nightly meetings in the schoolyard. I truly wanted this charming couple to find a way to each other.

If you enjoy a heartfelt romance with engaging characters and a lovely plot that, at times, will have you smiling, while at others, dotting tears from the corner of your eyes, then you will love The Amish Teacher’s Dilemma as much as I did. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I’ve already purchased the first two books in this series and read them! I understand Ms. Davids has plans to write quite a few more books in this heartwarming series. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

USA Today Bestselling author Patricia Davids grew up on a Kansas farm with four brothers. After college she began a wonderful career as a nurse. In 1973 Pat wrote a letter to a lonely sailor. Little did she know her talent with words would bring her love, marriage and motherhood.

An avid reader, Pat longed to write a book, but put her dream on hold as she raised a family and worked in an NICU. It wasn't until 1996 that she began writing seriously. Today, Pat enjoys crafting emotionally satisfying romances where love and faith bring two people together forever.

Social Media:

Website: https://patriciadavids.com/index.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaDavidsAuthor/