Cowgirls Don’t Cry by Lorelei James Paperback: e-Book Publisher: Samhain Available: November 9, 2010 Genre: Contemporary Romance – Western Source: Purchased by reviewer Reviewed by: Sophia (FV)

Jessie McKay has accepted her marriage to Luke McKay wasn’t perfect. After two years of widowhood, she’s ready to kick up her boot heels—until Luke’s younger brother shows up to spoil her fun. But if Brandt thinks she’ll ever take orders from another McKay male, he’s got manure for brains.

Brandt McKay has avoided his sweet, sexy sister-in-law ever since the night he confessed his feelings for her weren’t the brotherly type. Unexpectedly faced with proof of Luke’s infidelity, Brandt is forced to ask for Jessie’s help in taking care of Luke’s young son. Jessie agrees on one condition—she wants Brandt’s boots exclusively under her bed for the duration.

The sexual heat that’s always simmered between them ignites. Brandt is determined to make the temporary situation permanent, proving to Jessie he’s a one-woman man. And Jessie is shaken by feelings she’s sworn never to have again for any man…especially not a McKay.

First Impressions: I was not sure I was going to like the direction this book appeared to be going after reading the prologue.  I was a disappointed and really didn’t want to see Jessie going down a destructive road.  I should have known better, Lorelei James never lets me down in heroine department.  Things turned around quickly and I knew Jessie was going to be ok.

The Hero: My heart always goes out to a hero who’s been in love with his heroine from afar.  Brandt is a bit different from some of the cowboys in this series.  He’s a little more understated, mature and gentlemanly.  Not that the cowboys in this series are any less loveable, but Brandt is far more obvious and outward with his feelings and is a stand up guy all around.  He’s just as sexy and intense as all the rest of the McKay men though. 

The Heroine: Jessie has been through hell and back after a less than perfect marriage, then becoming a widow, losing her home and being forced to pick herself up and start over.  When she is faced with the undeniable evidence of her dead husband’s infidelity she is shaken but steps up and handles the situation with grace.  I liked that she stood up faced her problems when walking away would have been so much easier.

What worked: There is so much that worked for me in this book and this is supposed to be a short and sweet review so, I’ll try to narrow it down.  I loved that Jessie didn’t put up a huge fight over her feelings for Brandt throughout the entire story.  Yes, there was some reluctance but she didn’t put up ridiculous obstacles.  I also liked the we got a little dose McKay family antics throughout the book.  Good to know they have been getting’ busy, procreating and raising the next generation of wild McKays.  Of course the romance was intense and sexy and I loved both Jessie and Brandt.  Finally, if you read my blog you know I’ve developed a strange fascination with the llama.  I love’em.  Now I’m convinced that Lorelei James loves ME and specifically wrote llamas into the this story.  That’s right folks, there are llamas in Cowgirls Don’t Cry. So full of win I can’t stand it.  lol

What didn’t work: I wouldn’t necessarily say this didn’t work for me but I will say I was uncomfortable at first with the situation with Luke McKay’s baby being at the center of this romance.   But I do think Lorelei James handled this well despite the very sad circumstances and the eventual outcome was appropriate.  Also, more llama time would have been nice. *g*

Final conclusion: Lorelei James just can’t disappoint me with this series.  At ten books in and a huge cast of characters she still manages to bring a hero and heroine that are unique and stand out among the cowboys and cowgirls that have paved the way before them.  

Favorite Quote:

He whispered fiercely, “Give it to me.”

 

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Blinded By Our Eyes by Clare London  eBook Publisher: Carina Press Available: June 22nd 2010 Genre: GLBT Romantic Suspense

London art dealer Charles Garrett has devoted his life to appreciating and acquiring beauty, both in art and in his companions. His fashionable life is rocked to the core when he discovers the body of a young artist, Paolo Valero, in a pool of blood in his gallery.  As Paolo’s mentor, Charles is haunted by the horror of his violent death. Seeking closure, he investigates Paolo’s past and soon discovers a tangled web of motives and potential suspects, some closer to home than he ever imagined. He’s drawn to Antony Walker, an aggressive, handsome sculptor with unsavory ties to Paolo. Charles is unsettled by Antony’s forceful nature but irresistibly attracted to his passion and his art. When the evidence points toward Antony’s guilt, Charles is thrown into emotional turmoil. Has he lost his heart to a killer?

Reviewed by: Samantha 

When Charles Garrett walks into his art gallery one night and finds a grizzly scene full of blood, a dead body, and a sobbing ex-lover, his world gets turned upside down. Charles then sets about trying to put together the puzzle pieces behind the murder of his friend and talented artist Paolo while he helps Paolo’s brother (and Charles ex-lover) deal with his grief. But nothing is making sense to Charles as he slowly starts to discover Paolo’s secrets. And one of Paolo’s secrets lead Charles straight to the fierce and fiery Antony. But can Charles trust that Antony is telling him the truth and how should Charles handle his instant attraction to Antony when Antony may well be a suspect?

The one thing I can say about Blinded By Our Eyes is that Clare London really got the mystery part right in this book. It was suspenseful and when the truth was revealed I was quite surprised. In fact my mouth was definitely hanging open for a period of time while I continued to read. However it did take a while to get to some romance. The romance definitely does not take center stage in the story. Once it got there, it was fairly hot but it definitely left me wanting more. What I struggled with a little while reading this is the way the story is told. It is written in first person and often it felt like Charles was actually reciting the story to me. I didn’t really feel like I was on the journey with him while he sought to solve the mystery behind Paolo’s death. It felt more like I was sitting in a coffee shop with him and he was telling me a story that had happened to him. I haven’t read anything else by London and perhaps this is her writing style, but it took a little getting used to at first.  I also felt the reveal of the big mystery seemed a bit rushed. After Charles spent so much time on his own seeking out the truth or thinking about why Paolo would have been killed, when the truth was revealed, it really wasn’t through Paolo’s self-discovery. This felt a bit strange to me considering the overarching theme of the book.

Overall the plot of the book had me mildly satisfied even though I could have used a few more sexy scenes to also keep the heat going along with the mystery.

 

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Indulgence In Death by J.D. Robb Hardcover: 368 pages Publisher: Putnam Adult Available: November 2nd 2010 Genre: Romantic Suspense Source: Publisher

First it was a limo driver shot through the neck with a crossbow. Then it was a high-priced escort stabbed through the heart with a bayonet.

Random hits, thrill kills, murderers with a taste for the finer things in life – and death – are making NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas angry. And an angry Eve can be just as an efficient and dangerous predator as the killer.

As time runs out on another innocent victim’s life, Eve’s investigation will take her into the rarified circle that her husband, Roarke, travels in – and into the perverted heart of madness….

Reviewed by:  Jackie AKA Insane Hussein

Thanks to the awesome Fiction Vixen for having me here to guest review Indulgence In Death by J.D. Robb!!

I’d heard, and was jealous, of other reviewers getting to read this book for review before its publication date, so you can imagine my incredible happiness when I was told I could get this book for review!! I may have have shouted. Out loud. Very loudly. *angel face* I’ve been a fan of this series since I first discovered it, a few years ago, then promptly devoured all the books currently published in the series, in little less than a month (and my monthly budget was blown all to hell LOL).

However, After I began to read Indulgence, I became disappointed and slightly bored. I love Roarke and Eve and their world, don’t get me wrong, but I felt that this was a lackluster mystery romance. The plot outline is the same as in the last 10 or so books, following the same outline and so wasn’t very different for me from the other In Death books. We knew who the killer(s) are/were by the middle of the story, even though the situation and murder victims were different (as they ought). I felt like I was having a continuous deja vu throughout most of the book, starting with chapter 4.

I loved the beginning of the book. Eve and Roarke spending quality time together, and Eve giving Roarke two sweet and thoughtful surprises, from the heart. I also liked Eve’s handling of a situation in the first 4 chapters, which brought her world, of crime and punishment, back to her, through the eyes of a small boy.

However, that’s where most of the liking stopped. Sure, I liked the fact that the story is very well written, but I miss the flavor. I miss the panache that I found in the first half of this series–that oomph that that says, "hey, I’m an interesting and unique murder mystery!"

Eve and Roarke have a great relationship. They’ve settled in to a routine, as do most married couples, especially those who dominate and are the feature of such a long-lasting series. They have their ups and downs, and are still surprised by each other, which is sweet and beautiful. In addition, Roarke is still hot and Eve is still kick-ass "Lieutenant Bitch" (from an early book). Both still have their vulnerabilities yet they are complemented and balanced by their strengths, both individually and as a couple.

I appreciate the cameos by key characters, friends of Eve’s and Roarke’s, who have helped them and each other become better, closer friends and a better couple and individuals (wow, that was way deep).

I think this series has such great potential to be more. To have some really amazing plot developments that will this loyal reader go "wow, that was awesome!" and "I did not expect that!" Also, bringing in Eve’s mom, since she just left, instead of dying. Maybe the woman Eve remembers as her mother really isn’t her mother. Wouldn’t THAT be a kicker?

I recommend this book to those who want an easy read and for hot, sexy Roarke time. Especially for hot, sexy Roarke time. Did I mention Roarke? Yeah, Roarke, mmmmmmmmmm! *swoon* ROARKE ROARKE ROARKE ROARKE ROARKE!!!!!!!

I will, yes, continue to read this series, because I’m a die-hard In Death fan. And I love Roarke. Did I mention Roarke? Yeaaaahhhhhhhh ROARKE ROARKE ROARKE ROARKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Insane Hussein

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Thank you for the great review Jackie! 

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Inside Out by Lauren Dane  Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Berkley Trade Available: November 2, 2010 Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance Source: Author

Ella Tipton is a survivor. In the wake of an attack that left her nearly dead, she’s spent each day putting her life back together. Once vibrant and outgoing, she’s needed to reclaim the best parts of who she was while retaining the hard won lessons. There hasn’t been room for any romantic entanglements, even if she were ready. Still, it didn’t mean she had to stop sneaking looks at Mister Tall, Dark and Tattooed himself.

Security professional Andrew Copeland isn’t quite sure when his jones for the lovely and decidedly skittish Ella developed. He’s known her for years, has watched her triumph over the pain she’d been dealt. Cope is no stranger to women, but he knows the nervous flush he gets every time he talks to her is different than any attraction he’s had in the past. Determined to get Ella to let him in, Andy does the one thing he can think of to get close: he offers her hands-on training in self-defense.

While Ella’s sure he’s just being nice, the prospect of being able to touch him and gain the tools to push away the last vestiges of her fear is more than she can resist. Soon enough, Cope shows Ella his feelings are far more than friendly and re-ignites something deep inside her. Before long desire and love turn them both inside out.

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

Ella Tipton, manager of a small café owned by Erin from the previous Brown Sibling books, has been through hell and back.  She was attacked and nearly killed by her ex-husband and has spent the last several years rebuilding her life and getting back on her feet.  She’s a tough lady but still suffers from the fallout of the attack now and then.  Although romance is not on the menu she has a crush on Andrew Copeland, longtime friend to the Brown family.  He stops by the café often and aside from some light flirting their friendship is pretty casual.  But that doesn’t stop Ella from fantasizing now and then.

Andrew Copeland has had his share of women.  They’ve come and gone through the years but he’s had a special attraction to Ella for a long time.  But the time has just never been right to make a move.  Ella has been through a lot of personal trauma and so he’s kept his distance romantically, only offering friendship and support when he can.  He’s watched her grow and he knows she’s something special.  When he offers to teach her some self defense techniques Ella accepts.  Spending time getting physical sends their mutual attraction into overdrive and bumps their relationship up to a whole new level.

Although neither Cope (Andrew) or Ella is related to the Browns they are both are still considered family and treated with the love and care the Browns are known for.  Cope is related to the family by marriage, his brother Ben is married to Erin Brown.  Ella is a long-time friend to Erin and is the manager of her café.  While Ella and Cope share a mutual attraction to each other they are both a little unsure of how or if their relationship should move forward.  They’ve been friends for so long and there is a little awkwardness as they move toward a more romantic relationship.  They may be unsure, but their circle of friends and family see it clear as day, these two belong to each other. 

Cope has a reputation as being a ladies man but he is always quick to point out that he’s not a jerk who treats women badly.  Although he’s never settled down and committed, he’s still a decent guy and respectful of the women he’s been with.  But Ella moves something in him and he soon realizes he’s ready to leave that lifestyle behind.  With a lot of heart to heart with his buddies, Cope decides Ella is the one. 

Ella is one of the cutest heroines from this series.  She a tough survivor but her exterior is fun and cute and I really liked her.  Even though she’s has a lot to deal with from her past and still suffers from panic attacks ,she’s not over dramatic or whiney.  On the other hand she doesn’t overdo the bravado either.  She’s dealing with life, family issues and is falling in love with a man she has crushed on for years.  She fits in perfectly with the Brown family circle of friends and things are looking up for her.

One of the things I noticed as this series has progressed is how the gentlemen have evolved.  They’ve always been good strong characters to love, but in this book we see them spending lots of bonding time together having deep and meaningful relationship talks.  As they have one by one fallen in love and settled down, they’ve learned a few things about relationships and are willing to share their insight with their friends.  The big, tough tattooed hotties don’t mind sharing a few beers and getting mushy now and again. 

What I like about this series is the constant presence of the protagonists from previous books.  Lauren Dane doesn’t give them a happily ever after then send them on their way.  She has created a big family and keeps the characters we love present and accounted for with each book.  While she gives us wonderful new romances with each installment, she also allows the reader to be a part of the relationship ups and downs after the happily ever after.  Inside Out is no exception and we get a little peek into Brody and Elise’s life as they plan their wedding.  We also get some time with Ben, Erin and Todd as Erin nears the end of her pregnancy.  There was a some turbulence in this sub-plot and I think it overshadowed Cope and Ella’s story at times, but it was nice to see the Brown family do what they do best and come together as a family in hard times. 

In the previous books we saw some pretty intense external conflict.  However with Inside Out the story is mainly focused on the developing romantic relationship between Ella and Cope.  They both have some personal issues to deal with, but the obstacles that need to be overcome are not as threatening as in the previous books.  There are some familial problems for Cope and Ben, and hopefully we’ll see those conflicts resolved in the future. 

Inside Out is another great installment in the Brown Siblings series.  Lauren Dane writes good solid characters that face life head on, love big, and put a fresh shine on the concept of friends and family in the romance genre.  I enjoyed watching Cope and Ella fall in love with the support of the friends and family they love. 

Favorite Quote:

I know he’s a nice guy, but he comes in bad boy wrapping paper.

Other books in the series:

• Laid Bare
• Coming Undone

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Montana Glory by R.C. Ryan Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Forever Available: October 26, 2010 Genre: Contemporary Western Romance Source: Publisher

The last thing in the world Zane McCord wants is a wife. But after returning home to the family ranch in Montana to help his cousins search for the lost treasure that is their legacy, Zane can’t help notice that love and marriage seem to be contagious. Both his cousins have succumbed, but he refuses. Determined to stay a bachelor till he dies, Zane wants to devote his time to filming documentaries and taking care of the ranch…and then Riley Mason walks into his life.

The last thing on Riley Mason’s mind is romance. Sent to the McCord ranch to save the family’s accounting problems, she only wants to impress her firm in Helena and be on her way. Life as a single mother isn’t easy and she needs to impress her bosses for a raise. But when Zane McCord opens the door, her breath catches in her throat and a desire she’s never experienced before takes over her. When the McCords insist that she and her daughter, Summer stay at the ranch, she’s forced to give in and before long, she’s pulled into their search for the long lost treasure. But she absolutely draws the line at getting involved with Zane McCord, playboy and heartbreaker extraordinaire.

But as they all get closer to finding Coot’s lost treasure, a dangerous series of accidents target Riley and her daughter Summer. Can Zane keep her safe while trying to win her heart?

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

Montana Glory is the third and final book in the Montana trilogy by R.C. Ryan.  I have read both of previous books and followed the McCord cousins through their search for the lost family fortune throughout the series.  With this being the last book in the series I looked forward to not only a nice conclusion to the hunt but also Zane’s story since he’s been my favorite of the McCord cousins since the beginning. 

City girl Riley Mason has come to the ranch to sort out the accounting for the ranch.  She has arrived from Philadelphia with her young daughter in tow looking to make a fresh start as far away from the city as possible.   She is a single mother and has a few dangerous secrets in her past so the last thing she’s looking for is a romantic relationship.  But when she meets Zane McCord, she finds herself very attracted to him.

Zane McCord is that last hold out.  His two cousins have both found love and are enjoying married life with their brides.  Zane is a ladies man but has no interest in settling down though.  His parents had an unhappy marriage and he has no interest in going down that road.  When the new accountant arrives on the ranch he likes what sees but the ranch foreman warns Zane to leave her alone.  She is on the ranch to do a job, not be romanced by the McCord family playboy.  But Zane can’t seem to stay away, finding himself more and more attracted as he gets to know Riley better.  Even more her daughter Summer has captured his heart as well.

As Zane and Riley’s relationship begins to become more than friendship, Riley confides in Zane about her past and reveals a dangerous secret.  Zane is determined to protect Riley and Summer from the danger that surrounds them. 

Montana Glory is a nice conclusion to this trilogy.  No loose ends were left and for the most part I was happy with how it all played out.  Zane is my favorite McCord cousin but I was disappointed that we did not learn more about him in his own book.  I felt like everything I knew about Zane I learned in previous books and I had really hoped to get to know him a little better in this book.  He’s the sexiest of the three cousins and I just wanted more Zane time.

I really felt that this was more Riley’s story than it was Zane’s since her character seemed more developed.  She’s a likable heroine and a fantastic match for Zane and I enjoyed watching as the mystery of her past played out.  I don’t always care for the way single mothers are portrayed in romance novels but I think it was handled well and I enjoyed Riley’s daughter Summer.  She was cute and fit into the McCord family nicely.

As with the previous books, the bulk of the story was a build up to an action scene near the end.  As the story comes to head, and the action is upon us and suddenly, it’s over.  I was surprised at how quickly all was resolved and our characters were moving on after such a big explosive scene. 

I love a good cowboy romance and I enjoyed the final book in this series. I was happy to see Zane and Riley and the rest of the McCords find happiness and I was satisfied with how all the mysteries finally came to a conclusion.   

 

Books in this series include:

• Montana Legacy
• Montana Destiny
• Montana Glory

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***Giveaway***

Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have 5 copies of Montana Glory to giveaway!  Because the prizes are mailed directly from the publisher, only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win, no P.O. Boxes, please.  Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title in the mail.

To enter, leave a comment on this review telling me what your favorite western romance series or novel is, or if you don’t have one, tell me why you’re interested in reading Montana Glory.   

Giveaway is open until November 15, winners announced soon after.