Review: Long Trail Home (Wagon Train Matches Book 9) by Lacy Williams

About the Book

All roads lead home in the dramatic conclusion to one family’s journey of love, sacrifice, and survival.

Since the moment he saw her, Coop Spencer has been single-minded in his quest to protect Belle. She’s running from something—someone—and he’s never met anyone so scared. When the wagon master forces an ultimatum: a marriage or Belle is expelled from the wagon train, Coop makes the only choice he can. He’ll do everything in his power to prove he's the kind of man she can trust. But overcoming the mistakes of his past may prove too much...

Belle knows that the danger she escaped is still out there, still hunting her. Experience has taught her that she can't rely on anyone, not even the man who promised their marriage was in name only.

As they traverse the Oregon Trail together, Belle is taken in by Coop’s big family, and the more time she spends with her temporary husband and his siblings, the more she starts to long for something she'd forgotten ages ago: home.

When danger closes in, one of them must sacrifice everything for love...

• Forced marriage of convenience
• Redemption
• Family saga
• Heroine with a dark past/sworn off men

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

This was a really sweet story and a great conclusion to this series. I don’t read many marriage of convenience stories, nor many westerns, but that needs to change! I really enjoyed this!

I really felt for Belle. She’d been through a lot. There was a lot of trauma in her past, to say the least. But I loved seeing her growth, and I loved seeing her learn to trust. I liked Coop a lot. I loved how protective and kind he was to Belle.

This was an exciting read. There were high stakes and danger and a swoony romance, to boot. Even though this is the conclusion to the series, it can still stand alone. Although it would be helpful to start at the beginning to understand the characters and their circumstances a little better. If you’re a fan of faith-filled historical romances, check it out. I think you’ll really enjoy it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Taming Lady Temperance (The Secret Society of Spinsters Book #1) by Karen Witemeyer

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Taming Lady Temperance (The Secret Society of Spinsters Book #1) by Karen Witemeyer releasing February 17.

About the Book

When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail?

Noreen O'Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she's invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her--including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O'Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can't afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who's captured his heart--knowing either choice could cost him everything.

Karen Witemeyer presents a swoony Western romance with a determined heroine, cowboys, prohibition, and the rivals-to-lovers and duty vs. desire tropes. Fans of Mary Connealy and frontier romances set in the Old West will savor this clean, historical read.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Black Dragon (The Nightmare Saga Book 2) by Katie Hanna

About the Book

A desperate gambler. A masked assassin. A dragon who could burn them both alive.

Jack Landry just wanted to be the responsible one for once. When he offered to take George Calhoun’s money to the bank in Denver so George could stay with his pregnant wife, Jack never dreamed his gambling habit would get the better of his good intentions. Now Jack haunts the Denver underworld like a ghost, determined not to go home again without winning back what he lost.

A night of gambling in Chinatown takes an unexpected turn when Jack finds himself the target of a shadowy criminal syndicate. A mysterious assassin in a dragon mask rescues him from their clutches… moments before the real, live dragon in the basement burns the whole place to ashes.

Behind the mask is a woman named Shufen. She carries twin swords and a double-bladed attitude to match. She’s bent on getting revenge on the gang that exploited and killed her sister. When Shufen breaks into their headquarters to save a little girl named Jinjing from her sister’s fate, she isn’t particularly pleased to find a hapless, clueless cowboy tagging along—a man with a price on his head. She’s even less pleased to see a giant scaly monster who should only exist in ancient legends.

With homicidal crime lords and fire-breathing dragons on their tail, the odds of Jack, Shufen, and Jinjing making it safely home to the Calhoun ranch are looking mighty slim…

If you love mythic Chinese beasts and rip-roaring Western adventures, you won’t want to miss Black Dragon.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I loved Water Horse, the first book in this series, so I was really looking forward to this sequel. While it did take me a little bit to get into, I ended up really enjoying it.

I loved catching up with old characters and meeting new ones. Shufen was fierce and strong. I really admired her quest to rescue girls who were in horrible situations. Jack was rough around the edges but extremely likable. They made for a mismatched and often antagonistic team, yet they worked so well together! They made a great team, and I loved watching them fall for each other.

I’m not usually drawn to westerns, but I love this series. The combination of the historical setting and the fantasy elements really works here.

While the whole book was exciting, the second half really ramped up the action and had me flying through the pages.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone looking for exciting historical fantasy. I’d recommend reading Water Horse first. Even though this story focuses on two different characters, the stories are very much connected.

Note: While this is a clean romance, there is a fair amount of strong language.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

If you're interested, check out my review for Water Horse, the first book of this series: https://rusticreadinggal.blogspot.com/2024/03/review-water-horse-nightmare-saga-1-by.html

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Black Dragon (The Nightmare Saga Book 2) by Katie Hanna

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Black Dragon (The Nightmare Saga Book 2) by Katie Hanna. The first book in the series, Water Horse, was one of my favorite books last year, so I've been really looking forward to this sequel. 

About the Book
A desperate gambler. A masked assassin. A dragon who could burn them both alive.

Jack Landry just wanted to be the responsible one for once. When he offered to take George Calhoun’s money to the bank in Denver so George could stay with his pregnant wife, Jack never dreamed his gambling habit would get the better of his good intentions. Now Jack haunts the Denver underworld like a ghost, determined not to go home again without winning back what he lost.

A night of gambling in Chinatown takes an unexpected turn when Jack finds himself the target of a shadowy criminal syndicate. A mysterious assassin in a dragon mask rescues him from their clutches… moments before the real, live dragon in the basement burns the whole place to ashes.

Behind the mask is a woman named Shufen. She carries twin swords and a double-bladed attitude to match. She’s bent on getting revenge on the gang that exploited and killed her sister. When Shufen breaks into their headquarters to save a little girl named Jinjing from her sister’s fate, she isn’t particularly pleased to find a hapless, clueless cowboy tagging along—a man with a price on his head. She’s even less pleased to see a giant scaly monster who should only exist in ancient legends.

With homicidal crime lords and fire-breathing dragons on their tail, the odds of Jack, Shufen, and Jinjing making it safely home to the Calhoun ranch are looking mighty slim…

If you love mythic Chinese beasts and rip-roaring Western adventures, you won’t want to miss Black Dragon.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

"I am your enemy." I whisper as I swipe a speck of dust from my sword's glassy blade.

Friday 56

I can hear the dragon's hiss down there by my boots. Steam leaks between his teeth. Spikes rattle whenever he moves his giant head.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: My True Love Gave to Me by Karen Witemeyer

About the Book

The Twelve Days of Christmas get a romantic Texas twist!

Anna King has pledged her heart to Simeon Shepherd, but her father refuses to grant her hand to the young farmer. Simeon determines to be patient and earn David King's respect over time with hard work and evidence of his ability to provide. However, when a wealthy new suitor arrives in Bethlehem, Texas to woo Anna with her father's support, patience is no longer an option. Simeon has twelve days before Christmas to best his rival and prove once and for all that he is Anna's true love.

A fun, quirky read that is short enough to squeeze into even the busiest holiday schedule.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

This was a very short story, but there was a lot packed into it. I liked Simeon and Anna instantly and was rooting them on to try to figure out how to stop Anna’s dad from forcing her to marry someone else.

I loved Simeon’s family (especially Grandpa Joe). I thought their idea of how to help was really clever, and I liked how it tied into the song.

If you’re looking for a quick Christmas story that gives you all the feels, grab a copy of this one. I loved it!

4.5 STARS

Review: Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

About the Book

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters--and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather's ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope's acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope's guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a wonderful historical romance! Y'all know I love a good fairytale retelling, and I've gotta say, this was excellent. One of my favorites in recent memory. I loved all the nods to Snow White. Every time one popped up, I had to smile. My favorite part of the story was the Seven Drovers. They filled the shoes of their Dwarf counterparts so well. I loved them all.

Oftentimes with Snow White retellings, "Snow" comes across as annoyingly and unrealistically perfect, but I was happy to find Penelope to be very likable. Yes, she had the typical characteristics you'd find in Snow White, but she wasn't perfect, and I really liked that. Titus was a true gentleman. Such an honorable and caring guy. He could be stubborn about some things but could admit when he was wrong, which I appreciated. While I thought the villainess was a bit over the top, she fit the part well.

All in all, I really enjoyed this western retelling of Snow White. It was a fun and sweet read that I highly recommend to fans of inspirational historical romance.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

4.5 STARS

Review: In Her Sights (Pink Pistol Sisterhood #1) by Karen Witemeyer

About the Book

He's sworn off love, but she has his heart in her sights and doesn't intend to miss.

Stained by his wastrel father's legacy, Jackson Spivey lives on the fringes of society. Townsfolk tolerate him since he keeps the local hotel supplied with fresh game, but mothers coach their daughters to avoid him. After tasting consistent rejection, Jackson spurns all attempts at courtship. The only things he can count on are his guns and his God.

Tessa James has been secretly in love with Jackson for ages, but trying to gain his favor only pushes him further away. When she learns Annie Oakley is traveling through Texas, Tessa seeks lessons from the famed markswoman. If Jackson's life revolves around guns, taking up shooting might help her engage his interest. Too bad she can't hit the broad side of a barn.

When Annie loans Tessa a custom pistol, however, things begin to change. The lore behind the mysterious weapon fosters hope that Tessa might finally hit the target of Jackson's heart. But when danger threatens, she might be forced to use the pistol for something other than finding love.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

What a fun novella! I don't read many westerns, but there's just something about Karen Witemeyer's books that I can't resist. They're always so good, and this one was no exception. While it may be short, it lacks nothing. It's full of a lot of heart, wonderful and likable characters, laugh-out-loud moments, a sweet romance, and a strong inspirational message. I loved the whole idea behind the "courtship pistol". And I really enjoyed the appearance of Annie Oakley. If you're looking for a quick and entertaining read, I highly recommend this story.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: In Her Sights by Karen Witemeyer

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring In Her Sights by Karen Witemeyer. This was a sweet and cute novella. I really enjoyed it. (We got a new dog a couple of weeks ago, so I haven't had as much time for reading lately. I've gotten a little behind here on my blog, but I think things are starting to get back to normal.)

About the Book

He's sworn off love, but she has his heart in her sights and doesn't intend to miss.

Stained by his wastrel father's legacy, Jackson Spivey lives on the fringes of society. Townsfolk tolerate him since he keeps the local hotel supplied with fresh game, but mothers coach their daughters to avoid him. After tasting consistent rejection, Jackson spurns all attempts at courtship. The only things he can count on are his guns and his God.

Tessa James has been secretly in love with Jackson for ages, but trying to gain his favor only pushes him further away. When she learns Annie Oakley is traveling through Texas, Tessa seeks lessons from the famed markswoman. If Jackson's life revolves around guns, taking up shooting might help her engage his interest. Too bad she can't hit the broad side of a barn.

When Annie loans Tessa a custom pistol, however, things begin to change. The lore behind the mysterious weapon fosters hope that Tessa might finally hit the target of Jackson's heart. But when danger threatens, she might be forced to use the pistol for something other than finding love.

Book Beginning / First Line Friday

Every legacy started from a single act of courage. Holding tight to what little bravery he possessed, Josiah Hartman strode through the trampled fairgrounds of Buffalo Bills western extravaganza the morning after the show's closing night, determined that his daughter's legacy would start today.

Friday 56

He'd acted as if her rudeness hadn't bothered him at all as he turned to show himself out, but Tessa had caught the hint of embarrassment in his cheeks and the slight sag in his shoulders. It broke her heart and fired her indignation.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Proposal (All Roads Lead to Texas #2) by Tanya Eavenson

About the Book

When the sheriff’s daughter goes into hiding from her father’s killer, her life isn’t the only thing in danger.

The day Jessica Thompson’s father was murdered, she swore to never love another sheriff. Now, she’s fleeing his killer. When her stagecoach is robbed and her rescuer declares she will be his wife, she does the only thing she knows to do—shove her revolver in his back. Never would she have expected he wore a star on his chest.

Sheriff Blake McKenny prides himself on protecting his town’s people from danger, but his efforts don’t include a headstrong woman bent on putting herself in harm’s way. When outlaws threaten his town and put Jessica’s life in danger, Blake’s failure to save his late wife haunts him.

Can Jessica and Blake forgive themselves for the past and break down the protective walls around their hearts? Or will secrets and deception take their lives in a direction they never saw coming?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this story! Westerns aren't something I usually gravitate towards, but I eagerly jumped into this one because it's by one of my favorite authors, Tanya Eavenson. And I've gotta say, it did not disappoint, and in fact, exceeded all my expectations. It held my full attention and helped distract me from real-life stresses.

Jessica was the type of heroine I love to read about. She's independent, feisty, full of spunk, and determination, yet also had a softer side and a great love for the Lord. She definitely kept things lively. Blake was the epitome of a gentleman. Trustworthy, dependable, honest, and sweet. Their first meeting was memorable, to say the least.

This was fast-paced with moments that had my heart racing and anxiety high. But it also had some lighter moments that made me laugh, and touching, heartfelt moments that brought tears to my eyes. There was a strong spiritual message woven throughout that I loved, too.

All in all, The Proposal was a wonderful read that I highly recommend to fans of inspirational historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Mini Review: Artificial Love by R.J. Conte

About the Book

Deep in the heart of the wild west, rebel marauders are drawing out a bloody civil war that no side can win. Many ranchers, including Lisbeth's father die trying to save their farms, leaving their women to fight to keep their land and stay alive.

When Lisbeth and her mousy younger sister Ruth come face to face with the uncouth land pirates who seize their farm as a scouting base, they only have one plan to protect their virtue: pretend to be commonplace, advanced domestic robots. Suppressing their fears, enslaved to the ruffians, the two young women are determined to convince the men they're not human.

Their plan hits a snag when they meet Dane: a gorgeous prisoner-of-war who has a secret belief that robots can become sentient and develop emotions on their own... and he's determined to use Lisbeth as proof.

Can the sisters keep up their ruse and survive?

For fans of The Twilight Zone meets Gone with the Wind and Magnificent Seven 

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Artificial Love was great! It was a short read, taking me probably 30 minutes, but it packed a big punch. It was so unique, so original. And that ending! What a shocker! I'd love more stories set in this fascinating western steampunk world.

Four stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer releasing June 5, 2018.

About the Book

Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers.

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

Why I Need It

I'm not usually a fan of westerns, but I just adore Karen Witemeyer's books. They are always SO good. She has a way of drawing me into her stories and I instantly connect with the characters.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Sophia's Leap-Year Courtship (Timeless Romance Single) by Kristin Holt

Summary:

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes the Timeless Romance Singles line.

SOPHIA'S LEAP-YEAR COURTSHIP: A brand new historical romance novella from USA Today bestselling author Kristin Holt.

Union Pacific Station Agent Chadwick Hughes has everything in a state of readiness to welcome his mail order bride…everything but the bride. The woman he’s corresponded with for a year didn’t change her mind or miss her train in Omaha—she never existed. Chadwick’s mortified to discover he’s been swindled by a fraudulent matrimonial agency in Chicago. He needs a lawyer if he’ll ever recover a dime of the fortune he spent on worthless membership fees and the nonexistent bride’s transportation west.

Sophia Sorensen, Attorney at Law, is a spinster on the edge of propriety. The good people of Wyoming Territory are open to a lot of things, including Lady’s Privilege during Leap Years, but some aren’t fond of her day-to-day behavior. Why, the woman rides her bicycle hither and yon, showing her petticoat ruffle and ankles. She might be the least ladylike specimen beneath Wyoming skies, but it’s entertaining to watch her court the U.P. Station Agent, Chadwick Hughes, the most-eligible bachelor in the county.

• Amazon
• Goodreads

My Review:

****

Four Stars

****

Sophia's Leap-Year Courtship was a sweet and clean historical romance that I really enjoyed.

As the only “lady lawyer” in Evanston, Wyoming Territory, Sophia is an unconventional woman blazing her own trail. But with no clients and the gossiping newspaper constantly maligning her, things haven't been easy. When her first client, Chadwick, shows up asking her for advice when his mail order bride never shows up, things get interesting.

I'd never heard about the Lady's Privilege during leap year, so that was very interesting to read about and watch it unfold. I really appreciated the inclusion of the newspaper articles. Even though they were malicious in spirit, it was good to be able to read exactly what was being said about Sophia and Chadwick.

This was the first time I've read anything by Kristin Holt, but won't be the last. I'm sure anyone who enjoys sweet historical romances set in the Victorian American West will love this novella!

I won this book in a giveaway and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

For more information on this author, go to her website here.