She Shits Bricks and Other Stories by Samson Tonauac

August 3, 2021 By Leave a Comment


She Shits Bricks and Other Stories by Samson Tonauac
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Twerker, COVID-991, advert jinn–we all went a little crazy after 2020 … did we not? 13 ultra-short science fiction and cyberpunk stories inspired by the events of 2020.

Anything can be turned into a joke with enough effort.

I’ve reviewed countless collections and anthologies over the years. Normally, I pick out specific stories from them, but everything in this book was so closely intertwined that I decided to take a different approach this time. While each story worked well on its own, one of the best parts of reading them was picking out all of the references they included to one another. Some of these references were fairly obvious, but others asked the readers to spend a little more time thinking about how certain characters or settings were connected to each other. I was impressed by how well this technique worked. It gave the audience many opportunities to compare and contrast everything they’d read so far, and it provided a strong sense of unity for what I’ve seen of this author’s work so far.

The pursuit of justice was an overarching theme for many of these tales. Some characters received their just desserts in unexpected ways while others sought out justice for unfair things that had happened in their own lives. There was a beautiful sense of order to how everything unfolded. As soon as I noticed this was a topic the author was planning to return to repeatedly, I eagerly anticipated future endings and hoped that everything would turn out right in the end for every character involved.

Mr. Tonauac had a wry sense of humor that were well suited for the types of science fiction he wrote. Some of the scenarios he came up with were so outlandish that I started chuckling even before I knew what the punchline might be. I figured out his irreverent writing style so quickly that it was easy to anticipate the lighthearted spin he’d put on all sorts of different topics even before I knew exactly how he was planning to turn often deadly serious subjects into amusing ones. Based on how much he made me laugh, I’ll be keeping an eye out for more work from him for sure.

This is part of a series, but it can be read perfectly well as a standalone work.

She Shits Bricks and Other Stories was tongue-in-cheek science fiction I’d recommend to anyone who loves this sort of thing.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , ,

Ghosts of Sherwood by T.S. Maynard and W.J. McNally

August 2, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Ghosts of Sherwood by T.S. Maynard and W.J. McNally
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Even grownups want a happily ever after.

As a young boy, Alex Van Owen had an active imagination filled with adventure, magic, and wonder. Like so many things, that gift was lost to adulthood, where responsibility and the realities of life took precedent. Faced with a failing marriage, a stressful job, and a struggle of being a good father to his own son, Alex has no time for fun or make-believe, but that all changes when he receives a call from his estranged father.

When Alex returns to his childhood home, he and his son are transported to an imaginary world filled with characters from classic fairy tales and legends, but something is different. Something is wrong. The people inhabiting these lands are nothing like the characters from the original stories. Things become dire when Alex’s son is kidnapped by the evil Robin of the Dark Hood.

Can Alex rescue his son and get back to the real world in time to save his marriage? Will he live happily ever after, or are happy endings only found in fairy tales?

No one is ever too old to enjoy fairy tales.

I was impressed by how many references to classic fairy tales and legends were included here. Anyone who has read widely in these genres will find plenty of gems scattered throughout the scenes. Some of these references were easy to figure out, while others required a little more thought. I liked the fact that the author included these different levels of difficulty. It gave everything a lovely inclusive feeling, and it also expanded the list of people I’d feel comfortable recommending this book to whether they were well-versed in fairy tales or only knew of the most popular ones.

The character development in this novella was incomplete. I wouldn’t expect to see as much time spent on it as I would for a full length book, but it could have used more attention. As interested as I was in the other aspects of the storyline, it was tricky to grow attached to characters who showed few to no signs of personal growth for the majority of the storyline. It would have been helpful to see more examples of why they wanted to change and how they were planning to do it.

There were many scenes that were filled with action and adventure due to the multiple plot twists that were included. No sooner was one conflict solved than another one popped up. All of these exciting twists fit the tone of this book nicely and made it hard to put down. As much as I want to share some of the juiciest ones, this really is something that should be discovered by each reader for themselves.

Ghosts of Sherwood was a wild ride from the first scene to the last one.

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Smile More, Stress Less by Geoffrey Saign

July 28, 2021 By 5 Comments


Smile More, Stress Less by Geoffrey Saign
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Poppy

Want one easy method to end anxiety, stress, sadness, loneliness, fear, & anger? While maximizing happiness, inner peace, and self-awareness?

One quick way to cut through all negative emotions? And have fun doing it?

~Savvy & easy workbook exercises ensure success!~

In just minutes a day this playful yet smart approach can:

*End inner and outer conflicts
*End anxiety, worry, fear, anger, boredom, and self-doubt
*Increase healthy relationships with everyone in your life
*End illusions in your life and maximize clarity
*Rewire your brain to live with deep intelligence
*Become your own AAA+ rated super-counselor
*Help you discover the Power of HERE
*Allow your natural joy to blossom

This hands-on, A+B = C approach will supercharge your brain function, improve your emotional intelligence, and change your life!

Who doesn’t want to smile more and stress less? I’m a bit of a non-fiction book freak, so I grabbed this for review. I’m glad I did.

While there honestly isn’t a ton of new information here, it was a really well-written, approachable version of stuff I already knew. I appreciated the reminder that we are what we think… and the exercises he gave (some silly, like the over-exaggerations exercise, and some serious, like building a doable to-do list). I also appreciated the insight into why humans are rather predisposed to experience stress (hint: we used to need it for survival) and why it hasn’t really translated all the effectively into modern day society.

The author has a light touch with everything, and not a little humor. Really, his “voice” made this such an easy, fun read. I almost felt as if he were sitting right next to me, talking me through each topic. It made the book a joy to read and made me want to do the exercises more (I admittedly didn’t do all of them, but I did many and I’m glad for it).

Am I cured of my stress? No. But do I have more tools for managing it? Yes. Smile More, Stress Less is one of those books I’ll plan on revisiting periodically to help me get better and better at finding the positive, good things in my life. They’re absolutely there, you just have to remind yourself to look for them.

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Back To Life by John Carson

July 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Back To Life by John Carson
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

It looked like a simple murder case. But the victim’s false identity is just the beginning…
Edinburgh DCI Harry McNeil’s dangerous job wasn’t made for relationships. So when a female officer’s mutilated remains wash up in a canal, it feels like proof he was right to leave his long-time girlfriend. But the investigation takes an unexpected turn when he discovers the corpse was carrying a police ID belonging to a cop already dead and buried.

Digging deeper, McNeil learns the woman was actually a software engineer nosing around high-tech, classified projects and poking into murky government corners. So when a second body surfaces, he fears the truth lies in the darkest corners of greed and corruption. And someone is determined to make certain those secrets never come to light…

Can McNeil catch the killer before the deadly tables are turned on him?

BACK TO LIFE is the second book in the gritty DCI Harry McNeil Scottish crime thriller series. If you like hardboiled detectives, dark humor, and snappy banter, then you’ll love John Carson’s unputdownable tale.

I really enjoyed this second story featuring DCI Harry McNeil and DS Alex Maxwell. While there is an interesting and decent plotline surrounding a new Artificial Intelligence company involved in making driverless cars and the complicated murder of a police officer – Linda Smith, who oddly actually died more than three months ago yet her police warrant card was found on this new body – I actually mostly really enjoyed the growth in both Harry and Alex’s characters.

While both were enjoyable in the first story (Sticks and Stones) in this second outing I really feel the author had the time and space not just to allow us as the reader to spend more time with them, but also helped flesh out their working relationship to a greater degree. I admit that each character felt more three-dimensional this time around and I became a lot more attached to them both. Harry is dealing with his recent break-up and complications arising from extracting his life from his ex – who still lives just around the corner and they frequent many of the same places. I also feel Alex really comes out to be her own character, I got a better understating of who she is and enjoyed the fact her personality shone through a lot better and she wasn’t just the underling learning from a decent boss and trying to grow her career.

Readers looking for a strong romance in their mystery story probably won’t find this fits their needs. While there is certainly more dancing around Alex and Harry’s feelings in this story there is no overt motion on either side to instigate a romance. That said, there did feel to me like some chemistry might be bubbling away in the background and I feel the author might be leaving their options open in that regard as the next few stories progress.

What I did really enjoy though was the deepening of the working – and friendship – dynamic between Alex and Harry and by the end of this story they each felt a lot more “real” to me and I was committed to seeing a lot more of this series through. The plot was strong and well-woven, but in some respects I feel it actually took a back seat in this book to the relationship and character growth of the two main characters. And for a series like this, having a book where the focus is on the characters and their growth isn’t a bad thing. Particularly since I didn’t feel the plot suffered in any meaningful way.

For a well written police-procedural mystery with some deeper than usual and interesting character this is a great book to try.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

You’re Still the One by Erika Kelly

July 16, 2021 By Leave a Comment


*You’re Still the One by Erika Kelly
Publisher: EK Publishing, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

Hot, inked, motorcycle-riding hero
✔️ Sexy wedding planner with a whole lot of explaining to do
✔️Steamy, small town romance
✔️Second chance romance
✔️And lots and lots of make-up sex

When Stella Cavanaugh gets the chance to come home after a seven-year, self-imposed exile, she takes it. She was born to be a wedding planner, and she hopes creating her sister’s wedding might just earn her the redemption she’s been hoping for.

The only thing holding her back is the fear of running into Griffin James, the love of her life. Because she not only hurt her family, she destroyed their relationship. Burned it right to the ground. And she just doesn’t know if she can bear to find out he’s moved on. She sure hasn’t.

Basil: It increases the rate of circulation, online cialis amerikabulteni.com helps to stimulate the sex drive and enhances the blood flow to the reproductive organs involved with an erection. A small study has found that canadian cialis no prescription the supplementation of this herb for three months has substantially improved erectile abilities in men. Your objective is to get relief from erectile dysfunction associated with their utilization of such psychotropic drugs as benzodiazepines reported a rise in arousal and also overall sexual satisfaction after they started out using purchase generic cialis amerikabulteni.com sildenafil citrate. Since perfumes are mainly marketed as a means to attract the opposite sex, the inclusion of pheromones makes for a perfect ‘scent’ object. buy cialis Griffin James has a roommate. The fourteen-year-old’s staying with him while his dad’s on deployment. Sounds simple, but the boy’s grandparents are looking for any excuse to pull him out of the clutches of the big, tattooed owner of a bike shop. If Griffin can just stay under their radar, everything should be fine.

But that’s just not possible when Stella bursts into their lives. Her sparkly spirit, her big, splashy ideas, and her impulsiveness always lead to disaster. He knew that…but he couldn’t resist her.

And now she’s on the run again, because…

The very things they love about each other are also what tear them apart.

You’re Still the One is a small town story filled with second chances and fake engagements and all wrapped up into one intoxicating story. Erika Kelly is one of my favorite authors and I especially love reading her Calamity Falls stories. You’re still the One is the ninth book in this series and I loved every minute of it. Each book is a standalone but all the characters are interconnected.

This story is about Griffin and Stella. Two people who have been in love with each other since they were kids, but haven’t seen each other in seven years, because of insecurities and misunderstandings. Griffin and Stella are the complete opposite of each other. Griffin is quiet, brooding and protective, while Stella is an impulsive, free spirit. Stella’s fun and outgoing spirit make her perfect for Griffin. Everything about Griffin and Stella just clicks, they are made for each other and their chemistry is off the charts.

When Stella returns to Calamity Falls after running away seven years ago, all of the feelings Griffin and Stella had for each other return. Stella is like a tornado and she shakes up Griffin’s tidy little world. It is fun watching these two reconnect.

Once I started reading their story, I couldn’t put it down. I was invested in Griffin and Stella and I needed to find out how everything would work out between them. They both have lessons to learn and some growing up to do, before they can be together and I loved being along for the ride.

I loved everything about this story. I fell in love with Griffin and Stella and immediately connected with them. I felt as though I was right there with them in Calamity Falls. Along with Griffin and Stella, there are also many engaging secondary characters in this story and they add even more entertainment. This enchanting second chance, small town romance is both heartbreaking and heartwarming and is a wonderful addition to the series. Perfection!

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Power by Geraldine Anello

July 5, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Power by Geraldine Anello
Truth Series
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Power is Geraldine Anello’s latest poetry book from her series Truth. Power takes heartbreak and turns it into self-empowerment. The most inspiring poetry told over the course of just one week, this fast-paced collection of deep thought-provoking poems leads the reader on a journey to personal development.

Love has many faces.

One of the things I appreciated the most about this collection was how it focused on the quiet little moments in a romantic relationship. Something as simple as listening to a partner breathe can be romantic if it’s approached with the right frame of mind. It was delightful to slow down and savor these glimpses of love that are beautifully ordinary.

There were multiple times when I wished these poems were more detailed. For example, “Casualty” spoke of a protagonist who had been badly hurt by his or her ex-partner. The anger of the speaker bled through perfectly well, but I couldn’t help but wonder whether the pain they felt was physical or emotional in nature. It could have been interpreted in so many different ways that it sure would have been nice to have a clearer understanding of what was going on. This was a pattern that repeated it so often I felt the need to give a lower rating than I might have done so otherwise.

With that being said, there were times when the minimalistic nature of the author’s writing style worked beautifully. “Moth to a Light” was a good example of this. It was written from the perspective of someone who kept attracting new partners only for them to realize that the speaker wasn’t necessarily the best person for them to spend time with. I enjoyed getting to know this character and seeing the world from their unique perspective.

Power was a thought provoking collection that I’d recommend to anyone who appreciates romantic poetry.

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Collector of Things & Other Poems by Riya Aarini

July 2, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Collector of Things & Other Poems by Riya Aarini
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Collector of Things & Other Poems is an illustrated collection of light verse for children. Featuring whimsical characters, like Millionaire Montgomery and the Bigalaboo, this collection of over one hundred humorous poems is sure to inspire bellyfuls of giggles!

Sometimes the smallest things in life turn out to be more important than anyone would have imagined.

One of my favorite themes that was explored here had to do with how we should all respond to people who are different from us in some way. “Country Twang” talked about a farmer who pronounced certain words so similarly that no one could tell which one he meant. What made me smile as I read this was how gentle and accepting the narrator was of his uncommon speech patterns. His accent was one of the unique things about him, and the audience was encouraged to embrace him exactly as he was. This theme continued on with entries like “Long Underwear,” in which Benny Blare insisted on wearing long underwear everywhere he went. That’s the sort of message I love seeing, especially when it’s written for impressionable kids who might be confused by someone who speaks a little differently from others or who dresses out of the norm for whatever reason.

There were some poems that I wasn’t sure many children this age would understand due to their subject matter or the open-ended way their final lines were written. For example, “Sweet Deal” discussed a kid named Lou who agreed to eat all of his meals if candy was the only thing he was expected to eat. The premise was adorable, but the final lines were so vague about why his deal didn’t go through that I’d expect to need to explain them to the little ones in my life. “Conversation,” a poem about gossip, was another example of this. It’s point was once again hinted at but never outright stated. The pattern repeated itself with other poems, too. This technique works well for adult readers, but it’s not something I think is as effective for kids who are still such concrete thinkers.

With that being said, there were moments of pure delight in this book. “Contagious” appeared early on and it made me rethink my understanding of that word in the most lovely way. Without giving away too many hints about that one, diseases aren’t the only things we can catch from each other! “Chocolate Sea” was another winner in my opinion. The title was beautifully descriptive and the sea itself sounded like my version of paradise. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by chocolate, after all? The author was at her best when she took common words or phrases like these and examined them from angles that most people wouldn’t think to use.

Collector of Things & Other Poems was a whimsical collection that I’d recommend to poetry fans of all ages.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Cowboy’s Fairy Tale by Jessie Gussman

July 2, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Cowboy’s Fairy Tale by Jessie Gussman
Sweet Water Ranch Western Cowboy Romance Book 6
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

He’s the billionaire heir of Sweet Water Ranch. His family is throwing a ball and he must choose a wife.

She’s too poor to attend the ball as a guest. But she can go as the hired help.

One magical dance and a case of mistaken identity later, and nothing is as it seems.

If he backs out, he loses everything.

She never had anything to lose to begin with. Other than her soul-mate.

Will he choose love over a multi-billion dollar business and the biggest ranch in North Dakota? Can she let him give up everything for her?

If romance fans enjoy the Cinderella trope for their heroine, then this author has written a book filled with all the best parts to entertain her readers.

In this version, there is the step-father, two step-sisters and a younger half-brother. The yoke of responsibility that tethers Nell to her family farm is her half-brother, Vinton. Her love is so strong that it carries her through the times that would break a less determined person. Her respect and adoration of her deceased mother, and her guidance and advice while she was alive, buoys Nell up when she needs it the most. It’s said that the meek shall inherit the earth, but being meek doesn’t mean a person doesn’t stand up for themselves. It means they have an inner strength that a lot of people can’t fathom, and when something is really important, they step up to the plate with dignity and stand for what they believe in. They choose their battles with wisdom. Nell wouldn’t believe that of herself, but that’s what I saw. It may not come out until the end of the novel, but again, that’s when it counts the most and the author made sure readers would cheer for her heroine when the time came.

Ryder is the hero with a lot riding on his shoulders. He’s rich because he worked hard and is dedicated to what he does – so dedicated that it cost him in his first marriage. The author has the hero growing emotionally and in maturity during the course of The Cowboy’s Fairy Tale so that clarity comes to him. It takes getting to know Nell and Vinton to show him the way and I enjoyed watching all those baby steps and seeing how they guide him.

There were secondary characters of import besides Nell’s step-sisters. There is Roxie, Ryder’s sister, and then there’s Michelle, a character I didn’t like at all. I’m sure that was the point, and the author created an effective plot conflict using Michelle’s conniving and manipulative actions as she aimed to get what she wanted. I think that’s also where I had a hard time in the book. The angst got to me. When a certain scene came up, I knew exactly what was going to happen and I despised that eye-roll moment but I couldn’t help myself. I got that feeling of “oh, come on!” and I couldn’t take it. I walked away from the story for a bit. But, I had to come back; I had to know how the happily ever after could overcome what was going to transpire. I have to give the author credit, it didn’t play out exactly as I expected. It was much more devious than that. So, when Nell decided it was time to make her move, to finally stand up for what was of the utmost importance, she didn’t disappoint. She did it with dignity while wearing a fashion statement that is sure to never be forgotten. It was a little over the top, but then again, what Cinderella-themed trope isn’t? It wouldn’t work otherwise.

The happily ever after does occur but again, not quite in the way readers may expect. That fact makes this book stand out. It’s not expected perfection, but it is perfect and in line with what I enjoyed in the previous story, The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage, and it’s what makes The Cowboy’s Fairy Tale well worth reading. And, just like the previous book I read, the author includes a hook in the epilogue to get a reader interested in the next story. I believe it’s about Clay, a/k/a Preacher. He’s a nice guy and he’s helped the heroes and heroines in previous stories so it sounds like he’s overdue for his own HEA. It’s something to look forward to, that’s for sure.

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Broken by Elise Faber

June 29, 2021 By Leave a Comment


*Broken by Elise Faber
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

He was forty years old.
He was single.
He had his dream job as GM of the Baltimore Breakers hockey franchise, and he was happy.

Lie.

Because the woman he was in love with was married.

To a perfectly nice man who loved her and cared for her and treated her like the queen she was.

But then Lexi showed up at his house, tears in her eyes, Caleb out of the picture, and he finally had a shot.

A real shot.

At love.

The trouble was that Luc had spent almost the entirety of his adult life running from love. He didn’t do relationships, not any longer.

But . . . Lexi was hurt, absolutely devastated, and she needed care and gentleness and deserved all of the romance in the world.

So he needed to man up and find a way to convince her to give him that shot.

I loved reading Broken, it is a beautifully written story about Luc and Lexi. Luc, a former hockey player, is now the GM for the Baltimore Breakers hockey team. Luc immediately falls for Lexi, when she starts working for the Breakers as their attorney. When Luc finds out Lexi is married and he realizes he can’t date her, he becomes her best friend. Until Luc finally has a chance to win Lexi when she divorces her husband.

Elise Faber is one of my favorite authors. I think she is a wonderful storyteller and she does a fantastic job in telling Luc and Lexis’ story. I found this story to be light and refreshing with great plot weaving. The characters are well developed and realistic and I loved reading their story. At times I found this story to be both heartbreaking and heartwarming and there is a lot of underlying tension zinging between Luc and Lexi. It is slow burn at its finest and I loved all the interactions between Luc and Lexi; as two best friends slowly fall in love.

Luc is a good guy and the perfect boyfriend. I loved the way he treats Lexi; he is so patient with her and he never wavers in his feelings for her. Luc is charming, thoughtful and caring and totally dedicated to Lexi.

Luc and Lexi have so much passion about life, their relationship and for each other. They are perfect together. I never wanted this story to end and I loved being in Luc and Lexi’s world. I felt all their emotions as they were going through them and I enjoyed all their interactions. As an added bonus, this story takes place in the world of hockey, where Luc and Lexi both work and I love any book about hockey. I thoroughly enjoyed this upbeat story.

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The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage by Jessie Gussman

June 28, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage by Jessie Gussman
Sweet Water Ranch Western Cowboy Romance Book 5
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

It was supposed to be simple.

Marry the tall Texan. Her children get a father. They save the ranch.

A business transaction, nothing more. She definitely wasn’t going to fall in love. After her husband ran off with her little sister, she was no longer susceptible to cowboy charm.

Except, the North Dakota girl had never met a Texas cowboy.

He married her for the ranch.

A former champion bull rider needs a spread to call home, even if it is in North Dakota.

Even if it comes with four little kids.

And a big, black, slobbering dog.

Especially if it comes with a woman with enough sweetness and enough toughness to rope his heart and heal it.

The cowboy’s not afraid of anything…except losing his heart again.

Reading this romance was like breathing in a sweet, refreshing gust of air that cleared my mind of current worries and concerns. I needed an uplifting, positive romance read and I found it in The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage. I’d never read a story by Ms. Gussman before and I am pleased that my first book by this author ended up being a great experience.

The premise is simple. Rich guy leaves a lot of money to various people after he dies, but puts restrictions and provisos that seem ridiculous and unattainable at first glance. I don’t know how other books fared in the series, but in this book, even though it uses a well-known trope, the business arrangement of a marriage, or a marriage of convenience, was perfectly executed and delightfully told.

Rem is a banged up cowboy who has ridden his last champion bull. Elaine is a woman who’s burdened by choosing love and motherhood over the sometimes easier but often-chosen path of shared parenting in her divorce. Her burden isn’t because she chose single-parenthood – it’s because her family legacy and love of the land she called home is causing a hardship that was forcing her to face a choice she didn’t want to make – sell the farm. She’s hanging on by the skin of her teeth when Rem steps up to the plate.

I found it interesting that the author used other people, who must have been characters from a previous romance story, to vet and verify the quality and veracity of Rem and Elaine’s characters so the story could jump right into the good stuff. Two strangers agree to marry to secure their own ends and meet their most pressing concerns but end up doing the very last thing they thought they’d do – fall in love and heal the needs, hopes and lost dreams of their hearts. It’s their journey that the book is about and it’s filled with family, love, sacrifice and gentle humor.

There are too many details to cover that justify my high rating of this novel. I don’t want to accidentally spill spoilers either, so I’ll be vague. Rem’s growing relationship with Elaine’s four children is heartwarming to watch. The dog is sparsely applied but effective comic relief. Rem’s estranged relationship with his father and brother is briefly explored but provided interesting insight. Rem’s mom kind of rubbed me the wrong way – passive aggressive manipulation isn’t a favorite ploy of mine, but I still get the feeling that Rem loves his mom anyway, and she did love her son. The description of inside the home he grew up in kind of makes me understand why his mom might be the way she is. And, I’m really glad Rem ends up in North Dakota. I respect a man who makes his own decisions and makes his way in the world by not backing down from challenges. Elaine’s situation is a huge challenge to be sure, and the hero is more than up to the task of dealing with what looks to be insurmountable financial odds. I say insurmountable because the rich guy’s bequest might not be the boon everyone expected. How Rem deals with that is what makes him an awesome hero.

I would classify this romance as sensual. There are passionate thoughts, kisses and temptations but I appreciated that when the time finally came to be husband and wife in more than name only, the bedroom door closed. I am left knowing that they were satisfied with that part of their relationship and it was blissful, but I didn’t need explicit scenes to believe that their love and compatibility in that arena was genuine and beautiful.

The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage ends with an emotionally satisfying happy ever after with feelings of joy, contentment and the knowledge that they are now truly one big happy family where love and faith guide and nurture their hearts. The epilogue also includes a very effective hook for the next installment of the series. I’ll have to check it out because it sounds interesting and if it’s anything like this story, I’ll be in for another great read.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,
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