Texas Rebels: Elias by Linda Warren

January 19, 2018 By 1 Comment


Texas Rebels: Elias by Linda Warren
Publisher: Harlequin Western Romance
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (224 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

FIRST LOVE, SECOND CHANCE

Maribel McCray knew moving back to Horseshoe, Texas, would mean facing Elias Rebel, the cowboy she was forbidden to love in high school. She just didn’t expect it to happen so soon. With her teenage son, Chase, in trouble, she needs Elias’s help. He may be a Rebel, sworn enemy of every McCray, but he’s also Chase’s father.

For the lone bachelor of the Rebel clan, there’s only one way to make up for lost years with his son—become a family for real. But Maribel’s distance runs deeper than the Rebel-McCray feud. Elias won’t settle for a marriage of convenience with the woman he’s falling for again. How can he convince Maribel some second chances are worth taking?

I really enjoyed this book. I’m disappointed that I didn’t find the Texas Rebels series by Linda Warren sooner. This is the seventh and last book in the series. I am going to have to go back and read the rest of the stories because I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy them based on how much I enjoyed reading this one.

I really need to point out that this story was a heartwarming romance about second chances. The heroine, Maribel, was written in a way that she could very possibly be me or someone I know. She has realistic issues that I can’t get into but I genuinely could understand from a personal perspective. In fact the advice she was given had a direct impact on me. Therefore I can consider this book to be inspirational. I quote, “You may not understand that kind of love, but sometimes people love the way they can”. That statement spoke to me and was powerful and meaningful to the plot. I admired Maribel for her courage and vulnerability as well as her ability to forgive.

I really connected with Elias, the hero, because he shared my values in a relationship. Elias and I both need vows of love to be shared at some point in the relationship. However, Maribel shared my values as far as needing to see love through actions not just with the words “I love you”. Together they demonstrated true love. I respected how Maribel and Elias were direct and honest with each other. No mind games.

When I read a romance book I want to be able to rave about it. I am so excited to be able to do just that. Everything was remarkable. The writing style, the plot, the characters, the pace, and the originality all had me captured from the start to the end. While this story was the ending in the series, fortunately for me it was my beginning. I will get to go back and meet all of the characters in the Rebel and McCray families that I briefly got to know and fall in love with in Texas Rebels: Elias.

I am quite thankful that I stumbled upon this book and I can definitely recommend it. Texas Rebels: Elias was an extremely enjoyable read for me. Just be prepared to “expect the unexpected”. This novel is more than meets the eye.

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Playing by the Greek’s Rules by Sarah Morgan

January 18, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Playing by the Greek’s Rules by Sarah Morgan
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (192 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

It’s time to throw away the rule book…

Idealistic archaeologist Lily Rose craves a fairy-tale love, but in her experience it always ends in heartbreak. So now Lily’s trying a different approach—a fling with her boss, infamous Greek playboy Nik Zervakis!

Anti-love and anti-family, Nik lives by his own set of rules. There’s no one better to teach Lily how to separate sizzling sex from deep emotions! But while Nik has the world at his feet, he also has dark shadows in his heart…

It starts as a sensual game, but can Lily stick to Nik’s rules? And what’s more, can he?

This is a romance story to hug close and re-read when I need a happy boost. The premise uses a typical trope but the delivery is pure magic and Lily Rose is so delightful and funny, I loved the heroine’s personality. Mr. Iceberg Nik didn’t stand a chance.

I’ve been a fan of Ms. Morgan for quite a number of years but I have no idea how in the world I missed reading this little gem. It’s practically perfect. I can say in all honesty that I disturbed my hubby’s concentration as he watched his favorite T.V. show because I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. First it was the power shower, and then there were two other scenes at which I was powerless to stop the giggles bursting forth. I talked out loud to my Nook and gasped when I figured out who Lily was talking to on the phone. Oh no! Oh, yes. That’s Lily for you. The heroine’s effect on Nik must have felt like a roller coaster to him; many times I’m sure he felt the sudden drop after the amazing highs only to feel dizzy from the loop-de-loop that is the heroine’s personality. She kept him on his toes. He never knew what she’d say next and that was half the fun.

Dialogue. I absolutely, totally, without doubt or hesitation, ADORED Lily’s dialogue. How Nik held out from falling in love with her as long as he did astounded me. She made me laugh with her turns of phrase. I cannot say enough good things about how Ms. Morgan presented her heroine and her quirky nature. Everyone should have someone in their life that is as imaginative with their dialogue, idioms and phraseology as Lily’s was. It worked because her character came across as sincere, caring, loving and supportive. The one element that I believe is her greatest strength was her capacity for forgiveness. That is a personality trait that would benefit everyone in real life and the author had her heroine live it, not just pay lip service to the sentiment. I was very impressed.

Any reader who is serious about reading quality romance stories needs to pick up their own copy of Playing by the Greek’s Rules to see what I’m waxing poetic about. If I can find this in a print book format somewhere, I’m buying it so I can literally put this on my ‘keeper shelf’. That’s how good this book made me feel after I read the final paragraph and why I give this novel a high rating. Ms. Morgan rocks!

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Prince of Secrets by Lucy Monroe

November 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Prince of Secrets by Lucy Monroe
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (185 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

100% Determined

100% Devastating!

Prince Demyan Zaretsky does whatever it takes to protect his country. So seducing Chanel Tanner will be easy. And marriage? An unfortunate side effect of duty. She unwittingly holds the economic stability of Volyarus in her hands…and he must secure it.

With his royal identity and intent disguised, Demyan sets about a ruthless seduction designed to make Chanel lose her mind with ecstasy. But when he discovers she is a virgin, he uncovers something in himself—a conscience. Now his plan takes a shocking turn—one this dark-hearted prince had never anticipated!

I’m in love with a book. Whenever I read a romance by Ms. Monroe I know that my heart is going to be touched, my emotions tugged and my happy buttons pushed. Prince of Secrets did not disappoint. There’s a way this author writes her characters that makes me smile and feel good.

Basically, Demyan, the hero, makes himself into the perfect man for the heroine, Chanel, in order to fulfill an edict from his king. What the hero never expects is to end up exposing himself, his true self that he never lets anyone see, in the process. The fall of a ruthless shark is delicious. I enjoyed watching him fall.

Chanel was a treat. I really mean that. There are three episodes where the author could have written her reactions in such a way as to make me agitated, cringe and experience stress all in the pursuit of ‘conflict and angst’. What Ms. Monroe did was give me a heroine who was smart, really smart. She observed, she listened to what was said and unsaid and as a scientist, knew how to formulate a theory and extrapolate a conclusion. I liked that she could apply it to people, not just science. That ability provided one of the most emotionally satisfying and powerful scenes when she confronts the king. I felt so … impressed and relieved! I also believe that it showed the strength of her love – it was as close to unconditional as a woman can get about a man with issues and secrets. She’s not a pushover and she’s not as inept as her parents always made her feel. In fact, the revelation about their true relationship is a heart-tugger as well. I liked Chanel.

One of my favorite parts is when Chanel revealed why she studied a certain language. I grinned from ear to ear when she laid that one on Demyan. One of the hottest scenes was in the theater box. The heroine was such a minx! And the reaction of the hero? Everything I could have wished.

When I read a novel written by Ms. Monroe, I always come away feeling like I’ve been treated to a high caliber romance. I certainly did in this book. I’m satisfied with the happy ever after delivery, the epilogue and the feeling of real love between the hero and heroine. Prince of Secrets has it all. If a reader is looking for a book that inspires optimism, joy and enjoys a bit of sass, this is a must read novel.

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A Cinderella for the Greek by Julia James

November 8, 2017 By Leave a Comment


A Cinderella for the Greek by Julia James
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (217 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Fairy tale for just one night?

Cruelly mistreated by her stepfamily, Ellen Mountford retreated to the shadows of her father’s home, feeling unworthy and unloved. But when powerful tycoon Max Vasilikos wants to buy the glorious English country estate, Ellen can hide no longer…

Under the scrutiny of the Greek’s arrogant stare, Ellen fights the urge to retreat further and stands up to him, yet Max is relentless. He tempts her out to a glamorous charity gala, where Ellen is transformed from dowdy recluse to belle of the ball. Now there is a new glint in Max’s eye that is even more devastating…seduction!

The title gave me a hint of the theme of the story but in no way could it prepare me for the fun between the covers of A Cinderella for the Greek by Ms. James.

Unlike the fairy tale, Ellen chooses to dress and act the way she does as a form of armor. Unfortunately her choice of armor arose by being emotionally abused; the scars are inside her mind and it’s going to take a force of nature to undo years of intimidation. That force comes in the form of a very sexy, wealthy and determined Max Vasilikos who won’t take no for an answer and Ellen is in the way of something he wants, badly. The first chapter set the stage with all the players and it hooked me so thoroughly, laundry and dishes were forgotten. This was going to be good.

Basically, the ‘mouse’, Ellen, butts heads with the lion leaving Max the ‘lion’ surprised, bemused and intrigued. Ellen poses a greater challenge than Max bargained for and the sparks fly as he tries all kinds of ways to not only get his way but to figure out what makes Ellen tick. Naturally there are assumptions and preconceived ideas that get in the way and half the fun is watching how Ms. James has her characters knock each one of them down.

As any good romance plots go, there’s the requisite mix-up of intentions, emotional explosions and heartfelt anguish that the hero and heroine have to battle in order to achieve their happy ever after.

There is actually quite a bit of internal dialogue that applies to both Max and Ellen so a reader can get a sense that the hero and heroine are both falling in love with the other but are fighting it too.

What I appreciated about Max is his ability to teach Ellen some important life lessons. They were hard learned and of course it caused doubt as to whether or not their budding love could mature enough to overcome the truths Ellen had to face. Since this is a romance story with a happy ever after, it’s a safe bet that all will turn out okay. It’s the journey of going from pain to passion, enemies to lovers and sad to happy that kept me flipping the pages.

For readers who need that lovey-dovey wrap-it-all-up in an epilogue moment, rest assured A Cinderella for the Greek delivers it in classic romantic fashion. If a reader enjoys Cinderella rescue stories, then this book is worth checking out.

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Bought for the Greek’s Revenge by Lynne Graham

November 3, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Bought for the Greek’s Revenge by Lynne Graham
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (186 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Bedded for the Greek’s pleasure!

Ella Palmer has neither the money nor the connections to warrant the interest of Nikolai Drakos’s archenemy. Yet the unassuming beauty has done just that—and claiming her will be Nikolai’s ultimate satisfaction!

The ruthless tycoon will use any means necessary to ensure Ella’s compliance, so he buys out her family’s debts. Debts he’ll forgive if Ella becomes his mistress. But when he discovers the true extent of her innocence, Nikolai is forced to consider something new; it appears the indomitable Greek is about to take a bride!

Usually these types of romance stories deal with a tortured, rich and broody hero, and a put-upon but beautiful heroine. It’s the internal conflicts which power the plot. However, in Bought for the Greek’s Revenge the external conflict touches base on a heftier topic which gives this novel a higher emotional caliber.

Even though the conflict topic is serious, it does not overshadow the romance nor does it bring a reader down. What it does do is shake the hero up. Nikolai’s emotions are all over the place – he starts off feeling one way with one goal and as the story gets told, the hero comes face to face with the fact that nothing is as it appears or as he believes.

Ella truly is an innocent but she’s not stupid nor a pushover. She’s a fighter which is very important when her trusting and forgiving nature gets tested when she’s accosted.

When it comes to our hero Nikolai, unfortunately for her, but fortunate for me, she can’t withstand his force of personality and she succumbs to his seduction. With a hunk like Nikolai, falling under his passionate spell was a foregone conclusion. It’s what happens after that kept me turning the pages. The scene where she tells the hero she found pertinent information in a book totally had me grinning. Ella kept Nikolai on his toes and hot under the collar.

There are some important secondary characters and my favorite is Ella’s gramma. Her presence is brief but it’s strongly felt. A reader will figure out what I mean when they read their own copy of Bought for the Greek’s Revenge.

The happy ever after is delightfully fulfilled in a wonderful epilogue that pushed all my happy buttons. I really enjoyed Bought for the Greek’s Revenge and I’m so glad I read it. It’s a terrific afternoon read.

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The Wyoming Kid by Debbie Macomber

October 30, 2017 By Leave a Comment


The Wyoming Kid by Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (256)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Rancher Lonny Ellison has never known a woman like Joy Fuller. She doesn’t seem very interested in him, and as a former rodeo cowboy, the Wyoming Kid is more used to being mobbed by women! And he and schoolteacher Joy seem to argue constantly. But it doesn’t matter, because he’s not interested in Joy, either. Except…maybe he is. Now he just has to convince her that opposites attract!

Fans of cowboys falling in love even when they don’t think they want to but end up falling hard and fast and then stumble around trying to figure out what to do with all those ‘feelings’, are in for a fun experience when they meet Lonny Ellison. Lonny gets stirred up by his nemesis, Joy Fuller. The fun starts right away with one of them running a newly installed stop sign. As you can imagine, emotions run high in the middle of a crisis and in The Wyoming Kid it opens the door for a romantic adventure to being and for readers to enjoy.

The chief instigator in the book is Lonny’s sister, Letty. I liked her and the love she has for her brother beams from the pages. It’s perfectly natural for someone who has found love to wish the same happiness on those they love and care for so I felt her role was natural and believable. I also liked her relationship with Joy. It’s a forgone conclusion that not every little manipulating tweak works out quite the way Letty wished for her brother. But when it works? It works.

Secondary characters abound and a couple are just plain adorable, namely Cricket. Ms. Macomber has a way of writing that makes it easy to fall in love with them, both secondary and primary.

The passion that overtakes both Lonny and Joy sometimes ended up being cute and funny when it overwhelmed and consumed them in the most unlikely places. I had no doubts their chemistry was combustible. Those scenes were entertaining and well written. There was no doubt that love was in the air.

There’s a background drama that revolves around Lonny’s ranch hand and a girl in town. It’s typical and yet it’s not. By that I mean, do places in our country still resolve testosterone clashes the old fashioned way, by letting them ‘work it out’? These days, it seems everyone likes to analyze, judge, opinionize and advise, and adults try to fix everything without the kids ever learning their own way in dealing with adversity, challenge and personal relationships. It was rather refreshing to see adults letting kids be kids while, as adults, monitor it so it doesn’t get out of hand but allows the lesson to be learned. Our current generation has it drilled into us that there’s never an excuse to fight, so this scene now seems like a fantasy, a distant memory of times past when people looked into each other’s eyes, and had it out, fist to fist – not text aspersions and Snapchat gestures and being buffered from consequences. I really respect how Ms. Macomber wrote the entire scene and I feel she made her point about why the characters had to do what they did. :: slow clap::

The romance is practically perfect and I grinned when the beginning came around to the end. Lonny might not be eloquent but he knows enough to get the point across. Love needs no translation.

The Wyoming Kid is a winner of a romance with a sweet HEA. This is a definite recommend.

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Bride by Royal Decree by Caitlin Crews

October 30, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Bride by Royal Decree by Caitlin Crews
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (219 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

His lost princess bride!

King Reza abandoned the search for his childhood betrothed, Princess Magdalena, years ago. Until the shocking appearance of a photograph of the elusive princess reignites the legend that gripped his nation. Now Reza must return to the hunt and claim his queen!

Waitress Maggy’s family history is a mystery, and even though she often dreamed of Prince Charming, he was never as devastatingly handsome as Reza! Fiercely independent, she won’t accept her birthright on any terms but her own, so if Reza can’t use legal bindings, he’ll use sensual ones that Maggy will be helpless to resist!

There’s nothing like a sweet romance that feeds my addiction for brain candy.

As a fan of Harlequin romances, there’s a certain kind of hero, premise and journey that never fails to entertain, engage and lure me in. I’m happy to report that Bride by Royal Decree met my expectations and I was a happy clam all nestled in my comfy chair while I enjoyed this wonderful story.

I’m dating myself here but for those readers who remember Shirley Temple’s 1939 movie The Little Princess about a little girl forced into servitude due to a reversal of fortune, as well as the classic Cinderella, they’ll recognize that this novel combines elements of both, and Ms. Crews’ wonderful writing captures the intense feelings of stubbornness, hope, despair and eventually, love.

Maggie is a foster child who, through sheer grit and determination, has survived a horrible upbringing. She’s feisty and mouthy but she has a good work ethic and still dreams of a better life. Enter the hero, King Reza, and things get really interesting. He’s infuriatingly arrogant, powerful and rich and … unprepared for the force that is Maggie. I loved it when she talked back to him. Those scenes made me giggle.

Maggie’s prince has come, but in actual fact is already a king. She was lost for years and years and as soon as she’s rediscovered, the plot kicks in high gear because Reza is determined that she WILL be his, she WILL act like a future queen and expects her to toe the line, except, when she does, he’s still not happy. Why is that you wonder? You have to read the book to find out what’s going on in the king’s head.

The novel is told mostly in Maggie’s point of view because she’s the star and the one that most of the change happens to, but Reza has a few enlightened moments to share with readers too. Of course he’s not without internal conflicts and past hurts which of course stymy their budding relationship; that’s a given for these types of stories. It’s how those issues get resolved; it’s how Maggie and Reza finally reach the point where they realize that they really do love each other that the story races to their happy ever after.

How it comes about cracked me up. Not that it’s overtly funny – it’s because Maggie basically tore a page out of Reza’s “how to be royalty” book and figuratively whapped him over the head with hit. I really liked Maggie.

If a reader is in need of a quick and easy bit of romantic escapism, Bride by Royal Decree should do very nicely indeed. It was a quiet afternoon’s read for me and I enjoyed every moment.

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A Miracle for the Baby Doctor by Meredith Webber

October 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment


A Miracle for the Baby Doctor by Meredith Webber
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (268 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 4 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Conceived in paradise…

When beautiful embryologist Fran Hawthorne is offered the opportunity to work on a Pacific island for a month, she seizes the chance to escape the humiliation of her ex-husband’s betrayal.

But Fran isn’t prepared for Steve Ransome, the handsome doctor heading the clinic. After years of struggling to conceive with her ex, Fran is tempted to give in to the pure passion that burns between them. Only their “temporary” fling results in her carrying the child she thought she’d never have…

Webber’s A Miracle for the Baby Doctor takes us immediately to a wonderful ,exotic location, as well as to the squeaky-clean hospital corridors we expect in a medical romance. There is something light-hearted about Steve and Fran’s connection. Right off the bat, Steve’s humor is welcome, especially as the story begins at a rather dark spot in Fran’s life. Even with the everyday (who uses the shower first) there is that hint of risque. The interaction between the two main characters will make every reader smile, again and again. As lovely as the setting is, and as easy and fun the relationship seems like it could be, Fran has to worry that her inability to conceive might not allow her to move forward. We readers are rooting for both of them, right from the start.

A Miracle for the Baby Doctor is a feel-good read, with fresh and rewarding characters. I might wish for some lesser level of predictability, but it is overall satisfying.

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Stolen Kisses with Her Boss by Susan Carlisle

October 27, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Stolen Kisses with Her Boss by Susan Carlisle
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (256 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

After hours…

To medical transcriber Cynthia Markum, Dr. Sean Donovan is just a voice—a deliciously sexy one—in her earpiece…until he asks to meet in person. She’s nervous and excited, but it’s crazy to have feelings for a man she’s never laid eyes on, right? Besides, he’s her employer!

Stunning Cynthia couldn’t be further from the woman Sean imagined her to be, and their attraction is mutual and instantaneous. Neither are ready for a relationship, but from the moment their lips meet there’s just no going back…

Carlisle’s Stolen Kisses with Her Boss brings with it a level of complexity that seems to go hand-in-hand with main character Cynthia’s life. At work, she maintains a high-level of professionalism, although she does have some, er, less than strictly professional thoughts about her boss. The mutual attraction takes us a big step away from ‘simply professional’ relationship, although Cynthia’s other responsibilities keep her focused. The passionate attraction between the two absolutely sizzles – and will keep readers completely engaged.

All was not entirely fast-paced however. Backstory is often fed to us through one character or another’s reflections, significantly distancing readers. New chapters often open with two or three paragraphs that are no more than that sort of ‘telling.’ The author did give us a super hospital setting with realistic situations. The passion between the two is great and all the elements of a medical-romance are there.

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Western Christmas Brides by Lauri Robinson, Lynna Banning, Carol Arens

October 23, 2017 By Leave a Comment


Western Christmas Brides by Lauri Robinson, Lynna Banning, Carol Arens
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (288 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Three heartwarming stories of Christmas in the Wild West.

A Bride and Baby for Christmas by Lauri Robinson

Pregnant Hannah Olsen has made a list of Oak Grove’s eligible men. A list that Teddy White sees—and he’s not on it! Time for him to act so that both their Christmas wishes can come true.

Miss Christina’s Christmas Wish by Lynna Banning

Dedicated new teacher Christina Marnell feels her heart race as she watches Ivan Panovsky chop wood for the school. She had ruled marriage out, but Christmas is a time when miracles can happen…

A Kiss from the Cowboy by Carol Arens

Kitson James and Livy York both have secrets, but can their love overcome the lies they’ve told? A Christmas kiss might help…

There are three heartwarming stories of Christmas in the Wild West in this one book. First is A Bride and Baby for Christmas by Lauri Robinson, next is Miss Christina’s Christmas Wish by Lynna Banning and last is A Kiss from the Cowboy by Carol Arens.

To say I was excited to read A Bride and Baby for Christmas by Lauri Robinson is an understatement. The reason I was eager to read this story is because the heroine, Hannah and the hero, Teddy made an appearance in the book Winning the Mail-Order Bride (Oak Grove series) by Lauri Robinson. I knew they were going to be in A Bride and Baby for Christmas and I couldn’t wait to read their story. It was well worth the wait.

This is my fourth Lauri Robinson book. I became an official fan after reading a third book of hers. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, her flawless writing style is consistent in each of her books. She creates a web of relatable characters that are intertwined in a community that are unforgettable and inspirational. There is plenty of drama, conflict and sweet romance that kept me flipping the pages. Lauri Robinson books are original, genuine, and entertaining. When you finish one of Lauri’s books you walk around for hours/days thinking about the characters.

A Bride and Baby for Christmas was endearing – a perfect book to read during the holiday season to get you into the Christmas spirit. I especially loved how it immediately started with Teddy and Hannah meeting. The situation was precious. Then there’s a touch of comedy with “the list”. That plot thread was hilarious. Teddy’s sister, Abigail, stirs the pot but that is one element that made the book riveting. Abigail kept me wondering what kind of trouble she was going to cause next. I didn’t like the conflict she caused at first but I understand Abigail’s character was necessary to the entire plot of the book.

I do want to rave about the two inspirational stories that were part of A Bride and Baby for Christmas. I was touched by the story Teddy heard from his grandfather when he was ten years old. That is a message that all humans can benefit from, especially in today’s world. Then the message that Brett’s mom told Hannah one day. Both are thought-provoking and heartwarming. So far Western Christmas Brides is on my must read list.

Miss Christina’s Christmas Wish by Lynna Banning was overwhelming for me. The story was ninety two pages in length. I had to stop reading to get a pen and paper. Within twenty eight pages Lynna Banning had introduced twenty two characters. I don’t have a photographic memory and it didn’t help when she referred to one character as Stockett and later as Abraham. Only after re-reading did I figure out that Abraham Stockett was the same person. She did the same thing with Thad MacAllister. I share this information with you so that you are warned and aware to pay attention. You might want to have a paper and pen ready. Ivan, the hero, has a boss named Ike Bruhn. Later it says his boss’s name was Abraham Stockett. It is later revealed that Ivan actually has two jobs and that is why he has two bosses. I found all of this confusing. I like to relate and bond to my characters. It was impossible to do that with so many to remember.

The heroine, Christina, is the town’s new school teacher. The reader was introduced to ten of her students. In the story there is a dance. It felt like all twenty six characters were at the dance taking turns switching partners and it made my head spin. I gave up trying to remember who Vern Forester was. Actually, according to my notes she was the town dress maker. The romance between Ivan and Christina was in all reality, non-existent. Thirty five pages into the story they still hadn’t even had a real conversation and when they did, it was an argument so, as far as the “Christmas Spirit” goes, it’s not much. Christmas wasn’t mentioned until the epilogue. Needless to say I didn’t connect with this story in this anthology. However that’s not to say that someone else won’t. I suggest other readers give it a try.

Seriously, A Kiss from the Cowboy by Carol Arens gave First a Bride and a Baby for Christmas by Lauri Robinson a run for her money. Wow! I LOVED A Kiss from the Cowboy! Kit, the hero and Livy, the heroine were refreshing. A splash of fresh air. A unique plot with clever threads and fun twists that kept me flipping pages with a smile. The Christmas spirit was alive and thriving in this story. The message of love was loud and clear. If I closed my eyes I could feel myself standing next to Kit and Livy by the town Christmas tree seeing carols. This was a genuine heartwarming feel good story. An entertaining quick read that I would easily recommend to others. The side characters were well developed and enhanced the sense of community in the small town of Sweet Bank. If you’re looking for a sweet quaint enjoyable book then look no further. A Kiss from the Cowboy was delicious!

Overall, I enjoyed Western Christmas Brides. I love Cowboys and Christmas as much as I love Baileys in my coffee. Trust me, that’s a strong love affair. I know I had a hard time with Miss Christina’s Christmas Wish but that’s not to say everyone else who reads that book would. It’s my opinion that the other two stories in this book are definitely worth more than the weight of gold. I definitely recommend Western Christmas Brides to be in stockings all around the world come this Christmas.

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