Book Review: Cowboy Firefighter Heat by Kim Redford

Cowboy Firefighter Heat by Kim Redford

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, March 31, 2020

Time and setting:  Contemporary setting, Texas

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Western

Length: 352 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

She's back and hotter than ever. Good thing this firefighting cowboy can handle the sparks.

When country singer Fern Bryant returns to her cabin in Wildcat Hall Park, the last thing she expects to find is Craig Thorne in her home...asleep in her bed. Fern had big dreams, and chasing those dreams required sacrifices. Unfortunately, Craig was the cowboy singer and firefighter she left behind. Much to her surprise, now they're the co-owners of her beloved Wildcat Hall Park.

Craig hasn't seen Fern since she left Wildcat Bluff County—and him—to sing on a cruise ship. When she storms back into town, the sparks between the two aren't only rekindled but burn hotter than ever. As long days turn into long nights, Craig is determined to show Fern that she belongs in Wildcat Bluff...and his arms.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Cowboy-Firefighter-Heat-Smokin-Cowboys-ebook/dp/B07YZTLV3P/ref=pd_sim_351_5

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cowboy-firefighter-heat-kim-redford

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cowboy-firefighter-heat

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50022046-cowboy-firefighter-heat

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the chance to read and review Cowboy Firefighter Heat by Kim Redford before publication. The gift of a complimentary copy has not influenced my opinion in any way.

Fern Bryant’s character had big plans and left her sister in charge of Wildcat Hall Park. Now she’s returned a little dissolute because her plans didn’t work as she’d wanted. She is ready to take over the hall in time for the big festival. I liked her character and enjoyed her loyalty to her employees and to her town.

Craig Thorne is a fantastic, hot hero. Not only is he a hot firefighter, he’s a rancher and a talented singer. He’s in love with Fern and never moved on when she left for her stint as a performer on a cruise ship. Her return is his chance to get her back. I loved his determination to win her heart.

This is a second chance romance, one of my favorite troupes. They are much more realistic because the relationship, the established sexual pull, makes this a yummy reading experience. The chemistry between Fern and Craig makes for a sensual reading experience.

Cowboy Firefighter has plenty of substance that kept me flipping the pages of my Kindle as fast as I could read. At no time did I feel that the story dragged, which is always great. I also loved the array of endearing characters of Wildcat Hall. Just love the bull and the little girl!

If you enjoy a romance with plenty of heat, along with great humor that will have you chuckling with a smile on your face, then you will love Cowboy Firefighter Heat. I look forward to reading your next book. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Kim Redford is the bestselling author of Western romance novels. She grew up in Texas with cowboys, cowgirls, horses, cattle, and rodeos for inspiration. She divides her time between homes in Texas and Oklahoma, where she's a rescue cat wrangler and horseback rider--when she takes a break from her keyboard.

Social Media:

Website: http://www.kimredford.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kim-Redford/100009526147060

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kim_redford

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/59d32e9fb8ec96359ab7c7416c8dd9/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim.redford/

Jace: Kings of Country Book 1 by Sasha Summers

Jace (Kings of Country Book1) Sasha Summers

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, March 31, 2020

Time and setting:  Present Day, USA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 416 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Let the music carry you away in this brand-new series featuring the King family and their country music dynasty

Music is all he has...but is it enough to heal them both?

Jace Black went from an oilfield roughneck to an overnight singing sensation. Now he's working on a duet with country music legend Krystal King, and he's determined to earn his way to the top. But the more time he spends with Krystal, the more he finds himself falling for her—and he's beginning to be more interested in her than he is in making a name for himself.

Krystal King grew up on stage and in the spotlight. No matter how golden her life appears, her past left deep wounds. But Jace Black makes her wish things were different. To do that, she'd have to risk letting him in... And that might be too big a risk for her battered heart to take.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Jace-Kings-Country-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07YZTW28F

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jace-sasha-summers

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50628052-jace

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the opportunity to read and review Jace, Kings of Country, Book 1 before publication. My opinions are my own and are not influence by the complimentary copy.

There’s plenty to love about this book. The characters are complex, and the plot is intriguing. Jace, Kings of Country, kept me engaged from the beginning to the end. It’s clear that Ms. Summers did loads of research concerning the music industry. I enjoyed the King family and look forward to the next book in her new series.

Krystal King’s character is feisty and has a wall as thick as Jericho. What happened to her as an innocent young girl had a lasting effect on her. While I admit to getting frustrated with hot and cold attitude with our amazing hero.

Jace Black is a fantastic hero. His patience with Krystal is astonishing. Most men would have given up on Krystal, but he sees the true Krystal underneath her prickly persona. He too has baggage, but he refuses to allow it to influence his choices. He’s such an honorable man.

The romance between Krystal and Jace is very up and down with Krystal giving into the overwhelming sexual pull, then turning almost instantly into a shrew (B***H). That irritated me hence the 4.25 Gold Crown rating.

If you enjoy lots of high emotion, hot sex and want an introduction to the amazing King family, then you will love Jace, Kings of Country. I plan to read the next book in this series when it’s released. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Sasha Summers grew up surrounded by books. Her passions have always been storytelling, romance and travel–passions she uses when writing. Now a best-selling and award winning-author, Sasha continues to fall a little in love with each hero she writes. From easy-on-the-eyes cowboy, sexy alpha-male werewolves, to heroes of truly mythic proportions, she believes that everyone should have their happy ending–in fiction and real life.

Sasha lives in the suburbs of the Texas Hill country with her amazing and supportive family and her beloved grumpy cat, Gerard, The Feline Overlord. She looks forward to hearing from fans and hopes you’ll visit her online. 

Social Media:

Website: https://sashasummers.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sashawrites

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sasha.summers/?hl=en

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: Silent Threat by Dana Martin

Silent Threat by Dana Marton

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, January 2, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, Pennsylvania

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 311 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

A former Navy SEAL, Cole Makani Hunter has returned home from a disastrous black ops mission without his best friend, his hearing, or the use of his right arm. So when his ex–commanding officer assigns him to an undercover mission at a rehab center for vets to discover who leaked sensitive military information to an enemy, he’d rather be anywhere but there. Almost immediately, Cole finds himself at odds with Annie Murray—a peace-loving ecotherapist whose dream is to open an animal sanctuary out of her home. While the two seemingly have nothing in common, their spirited arguments soon fuel a passion for each other.

But just as things begin to heat up between therapist and patient, dangerous complications arise. So does the past—and a shocking revelation that puts Cole and everything he now holds dear in the path of a murderous traitor.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Silent-Threat-Mission-Recovery-Book-ebook/dp/B071VF6YV4

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35073715-silent-threat

Vikki’s Musings

I received an invitation from the publisher via Net-Galley to read and review Silent Threat. The book description interested me so I decided to accept. I don’t recall reading a book by Dana Marton, so she is a new-to-me author. I enjoyed this book a great deal so I’m glad I read it.

When Annie Murray has a chance meeting with former Navy SEAL, Cole Makani Hunter, she is scared at first, but quickly learns he is not a threat to her physically, but on a second meeting, she soon realizes he may be a threat to her emotional well-being.

Cole is working undercover at the Rehab Center Annie works for. He is drawn to her immediately, so refuses to see her in a professional capacity. The physical attraction is too strong to deny.

Someone is pulling pranks toward Annie. She believes they are coming from a disgruntled man from her past, but the incidents become more violent. Cole is determined to find the person behind these malicious activities. When threats turn life-threatening, can he save her in time?

Annie’s character is engaging. She has not had an easy life and is afraid to open her heart to anyone. I enjoyed her character development a great deal, and Ms. Marton does an excellent job showing that growth.

Cole is a hero I could love. He’s suffered great physical complications from a mission gone bad, which left him deaf, along with problems to his left arm. I enjoyed his pursuit of Annie, and his determination to protect her.

The romance between Cole and Annie is satisfying and I truly wanted them to find their happy ending. The sexual tension is good and had me rooting for them as a couple.

The suspenseful aspect of this book is excellent. It had me grabbing the arms of my chair several times, especially at the climax. And…I didn’t figure out who the villain was until the end! That kept me guessing and that’s always enjoyable.

If you enjoy romantic suspense with an intriguing plot and likable characters, then you will enjoy Silent Threat. I look forward to reading more books by this talented author. Happy reading!

Book Review: Show Me by Abigail Strom

Show Me by Abigail Strom

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, January 2, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, Hawaii

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 253 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

“Houston, we have a major attraction.”

After years of dealing with a heart condition and an overprotective mother, Airin Delaney is finally having her first taste of freedom in Waikiki—and it’s intoxicating. But it’s nothing compared to the out-of-this-world attraction between her and astronaut Hunter Bryce. Airin is determined to shoot for the stars and experience her first real kiss.

All Hunter has ever wanted is to explore the universe. That is, until a certain black-haired, wide-eyed beauty shakes him to the core. Hunter knows almost nothing about Airin, not even her last name. All he knows is that she’s the kind of girl he could fall over-the-moon in love with. Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t be worse. While Airin is celebrating her first night of freedom, Hunter is celebrating his last—before embarking on an eight-month mission.

It was only supposed to be one night. But sometimes that’s all fate needs to change two lives forever.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Show-Me-Abigail-Strom-ebook/dp/B073D5Z15X

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36154785-show-me

Vikki’s Musings

This is not the first book I have read by Abigail Strom, so when I received an invitation from the publisher via Net-Galley, to read and review Show Me, I eagerly accepted. I appreciate the offer, and I’m glad I chose to read this book.

Airin Delaney is at last, ready to take over her life. After battling a heart condition for years, her last surgery was completely successful and her doctor declares her fully recovered. However, her mother is not ready to accept her changed health and tries to remain in control.

Airin sneaks out and goes to a bar where she meets, astronaut, Hunter Bryce and shared an amazing kiss. She is immediately attracted to him, but since he is scheduled to begin an eight-month Mars trial, she knows she will never see him again.

Fate has a way of intervening when an attraction is so strong. Circumstances throw them together again, and she plans to make the most of this second chance. Can she capture his heart, or will her controlling mother destroy what has just begun?

Airin’s character is enchanting. While living a sheltered life since her diagnosis, she is feisty and determined to find her way on her own. I thoroughly enjoyed her growth from such a controlled life-style to one where she can make her own choices.

Hunter’s character is all that I enjoy in a hero. Of course, he yummy and sexy, but he’s also an all-around good guy. He is considerate of Airin’s naivete. His struggle between his desire for her and his life-long commitments is well-written, and I thoroughly enjoyed that.

The romance between Airin and Hunter is all that I could hope for in a contemporary romance. The sexual tension is strong from the first page and remains that way until the end.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable read with a great romance and engaging characters, then you will enjoy Show Me as much as I did. I do recommend this stand-alone novel. Happy reading!

Book Review: Every Little Kiss by Marina Adair

Every Little Kiss by Marina Adair

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, July 17, 2017

Time and setting:  Present Day, Sequoia Lake

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 256 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

There’s nothing that single mom Liv Preston won’t do if it means making her six-year-old son smile again. After a heartbreaking two years, her little family is due for some fun in the sun. She just didn’t expect to find it in the big, rugged, Search and Rescue hero next door—who shows her just how exciting, and sexy, life’s adventures can be.

As head of Reno’s K-9 search division, Ford Jamison knows what it takes to make life-and-death decisions on the fly. He doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t do regrets, and has never doubted his instincts—until he makes a promise that turns his world upside down. Desperate for redemption, he returns to Sequoia Lake, only to find himself face-to-face with his past…and the one woman he can’t have. Not when his secret would destroy her—and everything she holds dear.

For Liv, finding love once was a gift. Finding it twice seems impossible, until the moment Ford’s lips meet hers. Love doesn’t always come easy, but when it’s right, it’s worth fighting for…

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Every-Little-Kiss-Sequoia-Lake-ebook/dp/B01MY9ITY6

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34051858-every-little-kiss

Vikki’s Musings

This is not the first book I have read by Marina Adair, and it will not be the last. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, I eagerly accepted, and I am very glad I did.

I thoroughly enjoyed Every Little Kiss from beginning to end. The romance is sweet, the characters are delightful, and the plot is realistic. I’m so glad I had a chance to read this emotionally-charged story. The pacing is nice and steady. The ending is one of the best I have read in a while.

Liv is a great heroine. She is determined to move forward and leave her grief in the past. I truly loved the way she protects her son and tries to help him become more carefree. I also liked her willingness to open her heart again after such a tragic loss.

Ford is a hero after my own heart. He is determined to fulfill the promise he made to a dying man. He had to make a horrific decision and I can understand why he has a difficult time moving forward and putting it behind him.

There is one thing I would have enjoyed. I loved Paxton and Bullseye, and I would have liked a bit more interaction between the child and the faithful dog. I think it would have enriched this story ever more.

If you enjoy small-town USA novels with great characters and strong American values, then you will love Every Little Kiss as much as I did. This is a good series and does not need to be read in order. Happy reading!