Aloha to Heidi Hormel and THE BULL RIDER'S REDEMPTION - Book Review

BACK IN THE RING

Clover Van Camp meets her match when her plans to turn a struggling Arizona town into a Wild West resort are blocked by the hunky mayor, retired bull rider Danny Leigh. To make things more complicated, this isn't the first time the two of them have tangled…

Danny knows Clover usually gets her way, but this time he won't back down. He's got a few things to answer for and a town to save. Besides, reconnecting with his former fling has benefits, as long as he doesn't get distracted by their mutual attraction. Will Danny and Clover let their ambition keep their hearts divided?

When in doubt, let your horse do the thinkin'. -- Old West Proverb

Teenagers Clover Van Camp and Danny Leigh first crossed paths when she, as a junior beauty queen, presented him with a trophy as a junior rodeo champion.  Fast forward several years - Clover slipped off her stilettos and pulled on cowboy boots to buy failing properties for a resort project in Angel Crossing, Arizona. She expected to bump into Danny, the new mayor of the desert town, but she did not consider that he has his own plans for Angel Cross. Nor did she envision that an abandoned dog which she and Danny rescued would open her heart to her teenage crush.

THE BULL RIDER'S REDEMPTION is a heartwarming romance set in a dusty town - the least likely place where an uptown girl would fall in love again with a down home boy. Heidi plays upon the "opposite attracts" theme to bring together two fated lovers who revitalize Angel Crossing along the way. I appreciated that Hormel reminded both Clover and Danny of their humanity as they cared for the abandoned dog

THE BULL RIDER'S REDEMPTION is Book 5 in the Angel Crossing - beloved characters from previous books make guest appearances throughout the story but still allow Clover and Danny to shine as they find their happily ever after.

THE BULL RIDER'S REDEMPTION is now available from Harlequin.

Learn more about Heidi and her books at heidihormel.net.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about Western Wear - do you have thing lurking in your closet that you could wear to the rodeo?  I only have jeans.

2. Due to shipping costs, this giveaway is open only to US residents.

3. Comments are open through Saturday, October, 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 17, here at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

I'm back in the saddle with blogging, Kate Pearce, and THE RELUCTANT COWBOY

As Steven Tyler from Aerosmith would sing, "I'm back in the saddle again." Life has calmed down so I can return to blogging.  You'll find me here on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, sharing my thoughts of romance books and more.

While I was away, I had a chance to review Kate Pearce's THE RELUCTANT COWBOY, available November 29 from Kensington:

After a turbulent childhood, the Morgan brothers went their separate ways, leaving the family cattle ranch and their cowboy days far behind. But now, one by one, they’re being called back home to California. Have they been summoned to save the land—or to start a new legacy?

Chase Morgan high-tailed it away from ranching life as soon as possible. But running a successful technology company can’t erase the memories, or secrets, of his youth. Coming home to help his Grandma Ruth may finally put some ghosts to rest—if he can just get a certain smart, beautiful houseguest out of his business. But getting her out of his head is proving even more difficult…

Determined to save the Morgan ranch, historian January Mitchell has pinned her hopes on the surprisingly rugged, surprisingly likable, and exasperatingly stubborn Chase. Surely his love of this breathtaking, mysterious land runs deep enough that he’ll once again embrace his inner cowboy. Or maybe, despite both of their skittish hearts, she’ll have to find a way to get him back in the saddle…any which way she can.

Ride the horse in the direction it's goin. – Old West Proverb

Chase Morgan relishes his life in San Francisco – he is financially independent in the City by the Bay. He reluctantly returns to his childhood home when his grandmother asks for help. Chase intends to spend as little time as possible in a place which holds painful memories. Yet he needs to investigate a financial transaction on behalf of the Morgan Ranch that is not quite right. He also questions the motives of January Mitchell – a historian living with his grandmother. She gladly helps with the ranch chores – chores he should have been doing all along to ensure his grandmother can keep her beloved ranch.

January believes Ruth can save her historic ranch – and her family’s legacy – by focusing on organic farming and joining the tourist circuit. Her extended stay at Morgan Ranch enables her to complete her thesis and pay off her student loans. January has finally found a place where she feels like it is home only to have her routine – and her suggestions – questioned by the prodigal grandson. Once Chase puts on a pair of cowboy boots, he feels home again. He joins January in the ranch chores and finds himself opening his heart to January, his disjointed family, and even his family’s legacy.

Pearce delivers a heartfelt story of redemption set in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. She delves into western legend that brings together two fated lovers where the heroine loves history and the hero loathes it. The mystery arising from the financial transaction opens a deeper wound among the Morgan family – one that I did not see coming. It sets the stage for the next books in the series for the other brothers to come to terms with the big reveal.

THE RELUCTANT COWBOY captured my attention – I did not want to put the book down. I appreciate how Pearce drew me into the story that teeters on the past glory of the ranch and the small town that struggles to survive. I look forward to reading the next books in the series. As a fan of her alter ego, Catherine Lloyd, who pens the Regency mystery series, Kurland St. Mary’s, I was thrilled to have discovered a new series from this talented author.

I received an ARC from Pearce for an impartial review. Given cowboys are not my go to heroes when choosing a romance to read, this author converted me to Western Romance!

Learn more about the Kate Pearce and Morgan Ranch at themorgansranch.com.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about what's been happening with you in the past month.

2. Due to shipping limitations, this giveaway is open to US residents only.

3. Comments are open through Saturday, October 8, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Monday, October 10.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Victoria Vane and SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY

SHARP SHOOTIN’ COWBOY is not a typical romance. Reid Everett and Haley Cooper are two very different personalities. They are like opposite poles of a magnet and just as powerfully attracted to one another even though they are constantly at odds. This was a risky book for me because I knew many readers would tend to side with one character over the other based on who is more closely aligned with the reader’s own socio-political views, but I had to write it anyway. 

To quote my hero Reid Everett, “Being on different sides doesn’t necessarily make us enemies. Good people are allowed to disagree. Some of the best solutions to the hardest problems result from differing minds coming together, meeting in the middle.”

That’s what SHARP SHOOTIN’ COWBOY is really all about- meeting half way and finding compromise, even when the odds are against it. I hope readers will enjoy getting to know and like both Reid and Haley.

Warmest regards,

Victoria Vane

What are words you live by?

Haley – “I’m not a wildlife biologist. I'm a wildlife warrior.”

Reid – “A Marine is either your best friend or your worst enemy.”

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Haley – “A veterinarian.”

Reid – “A professional hunting guide like my Dad and his Dad before him.”

Tell us about a special memory you have of your significant other that you’d never forget.

Haley – “When Reid saved me from a charging grizzly.”

Reid – “When she cleaned my clock at pool.”

Sharp Shootin’ Cowboy, Hot Cowboy Nights, Book 3

Contemporary Western Romance

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TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT, COWBOY…

Weary warrior… After eight years as a Marine sniper, war-scarred Reid Everett is back in his native Wyoming. He knows and loves this rugged land, so working for wildlife services to reduce the booming wolf population suits him to a T.

Caring crusader… Wildlife biologist Haley Cooper is desperate to make a difference. Leaving the world of academia behind, she accepts a position as a wolf advocate to protect the animals she loves.

Raw attraction… Their jobs set them on a collision course, but chemistry sparks like wildfire between Reid and Haley. They’ll have to brave some rough territory if they hope to reconcile their polarizing views with a passion that won’t be denied.

Victoria Vane is a multiple award-winning romance novelist and history junkie whose collective works of fiction range from wildly comedic romps to emotionally compelling erotic romance. Victoria also writes historical fiction as Emery Lee and is the founder of Goodreads Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers and the Romantic Historical Lovers book review blog.

Connect with Victoria Vane: Website | Facebook | @AuthorVictoriaV | Pinterest | Goodreads

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Excerpt from SHARP SHOOTIN’ COWBOY by Victoria Vane

He could see her getting more worked up by the minute, and damned if he wasn’t also—just not in the same way. She’d been baiting him from the start, spewing arguments that usually just pissed him off, but in this case, it was turning him on.

His gaze locked on her mouth. Her tongue darted out as if she read his thoughts. She drew a breath as if to formulate another rebuttal, but he’d had enough. Before her lips could spout off anymore of the Pacifist Tree Hugger’s Manifesto, he pulled her into his arms and silenced her with his.

***

The kiss came without warning, and Haley was too stunned at first to react. He began gently enough, his lips sliding over hers, hands cupping her face, thumbs stroking her jaw, and then he grew more insistent, his tongue probing the seal of her lips. His callused hands were simultaneously firm and gentle, and his lips paradoxically soft and commanding.

Mere seconds had her head spinning and stomach fluttering. She was slipping fast and not about to let him pull her in any deeper. Part of her wanted to give into it, to see where it might lead, but the other half resented his audacity. Her pride won out. She resisted the urge to soften, to open to him, then stiffened, pressing her hands against his chest.

He released her instantly.

She stepped back, knees weak and pulse racing. “I didn’t come here looking to hook up.”

“Neither did I. But sometimes unexpected things happen.” His gaze locked with hers, a look of speculation gleaming in his eyes. “When they do, it’s best to just go with your gut instinct.”

“That so? Well all my instincts scream ‘no marines,’ so don’t let it happen again.”

Suddenly remembering the cue in her hand, Haley turned back to the table. It took all of her will to focus back on the game. She could hardly believe how he’d nearly unraveled her with a single kiss. Then again, no one had ever kissed her like that. She made her break, pocketing the one, and then moved methodically around the table, calling each shot as she sank every solid. Only the eight ball remained, but it was trapped behind two stripes.

Reid’s lips curved with smug certainty. “Looks like I’ll get my turn after all.”

“Don’t count your chickens, cowboy.” She laid down her cue and searched the wall behind her for a shorter one. “Jump cue,” she answered his silent question.

“You’re kidding right?”

“Nope.” Approaching the table, she angled for her shot. She could almost feel his eyes on her ass. She glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough. He was leaning against the wall with both arms crossed over his broad chest, his gaze zeroed in on her behind.

“Enjoying the view?”

“Sure am,” he confessed, unabashed.

He was sadly mistaken if he thought he’d unnerve her. Keeping him in her peripheral vision, she widened her stance and stretched out over the table. All sign of smugness evaporated from his face. He tugged on his jeans.

Haley grinned, reveling in her small victory, and then prepared for a bigger one. “Eight ball, side pocket,” she declared with confidence. On a three count she took the shot, jumping the stripes to pocket the eight. “Yeah baby!” She threw down the cue and fisted the air, gloating in her triumph.

Reid gaped at the table. “I’ll be goddamned. How did you learn to do that?”

“My grandpa was a regional pool champion.”

“That bit of information was mighty sneaky to withhold.”

She shrugged. “You didn’t ask. Loser buys. I’ll take a mojito.”

Aloha to Victoria Vane and ROUGH RIDER - Trailer, Excerpt, and Giveaway

Two wary hearts …

Janice Combes has two loves, bucking bulls and Dirk Knowlton. But Dirk only has eyes for a dazzling rodeo queen. How can Janice ever compete while mired ankle-deep in manure? Exchanging playful banter with Dirk is all Janice can expect—until the stormy night he knocks on her door dripping wet and needing a place to crash.

Different Dreams…

Dirk Knowlton is living the cowboy dream. Life should be good—roping, branding, backing broncs, riding bulls, but there's a void he can't seem to fill. After getting hung up by a bull, he wonders if this is really the life he wants. Restless and rebellious, he bolts…but there’s a certain cowgirl he can’t forget.

When a battle-scarred Dirk returns to his Montana ranch he's determined to hang on at any cost. Janice has come back home to lick her own wounds. When old dreams turn to dust, can two wary hearts take another chance on love?

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Sourcebooks offers an excerpt from ROUGH RIDER:

He looked abashed. “We didn’t just have to leave the party, we got kicked out of the hotel too.”

“Evicted from your room?”

“Yup. And there aren’t any others available in all of Casper.”

“I know,” she said. “It’s why I’m camped out here.” She paused to digest what he’d left unsaid. “So you and Rachel?”

He shook his head with a scowl “We’re done now. Quits.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope. History. Case closed.”

“It’ll blow over.”

“Don’t think so. It was her idea to boot us. Said she didn’t give a shit if I had a room tonight or not. Then I couldn’t even try finding anything outside of town because my asshole brother took my keys so I wouldn’t drive. My next move was to pilfer a blanket and pillow and camp out under the stars in my truck bed, but then it started pouring on me.”

“So you came here. How’d you do that with no wheels?”

“Walked.”

“Three miles in the pouring rain? No wonder you look like something the cat dragged in.”

“Can I crash for a coupla hours? Maybe just camp out in the back seat of your dually? All I need is to get warm and dry again.”

Janice’s mouth went dry as sawdust. Dirk Knowlton. Cold. Wet. Here. Now. Wanting a bed? She’d give her right arm to warm him up. Heck yeah.

Misreading her silence he mumbled a curse. “Sorry, Janice. It’s my damned head. I’m not thinkin’ right. It’s still throbbing like hell. Haven’t been myself all night. M’pologies for being such a dumb-ass and imposing on you—” He turned to the door.

“No! Wait. It’s not that.” She grabbed his sleeve. “I was just thinking of your injuries. You don’t need to make matters worse by sleeping all cramped up in the truck.” She gnawed her lower lip and then blurted. “Y-you wanna just stay here instead?”

“Here? That’s mighty generous but there isn’t a whole lot of room for both of us.” He glanced up at the gooseneck with a frown. “If you’ll just gimme a blanket, I’ll take the floor.”

“You don’t need to do that,” she said. “The bench here flips down over the table and converts into a single. It’s really narrow and not very comfortable, but still better than the truck. Warmer anyway. Besides you need to get dry.”

“You sure about this?” he asked.

“Yeah.” She smiled. “What are friends for? I’m sure I’ve got a shirt for you too.”

“Thanks, Red. That would be great.”

Red? The single syllable rippled warm and tingly, all the way to her toes. He followed up with a lopsided grin that stopped her in her tracks. She turned to the small cabinet that served a dual function as dresser and closet and shut her eyes on a sigh—but the same air stuck in her throat the minute she turned back around.

He’d shed the denim jacket. And the black tee. His bare torso with well-developed pecs and a mouthwatering six pack greeted her. He was drying his face with his discarded shirt. Janice tore her gaze away and cleared her throat. “Here.” She thrust an extra-large Dixie Chicks T-shirt into his hands, a souvenir from their Top of the World Tour. “I—I can get you a towel too.”

He eyed the shirt skeptically. “No thanks.”

“What? You don’t like female musicians?”

“Don’t like their politics. Natalie should just shut up and sing.”

“Ah.” She nodded slowly. The shirt was from the tour that caused the “incident.” A lot of her friends had since thrown out their Dixie Chicks CDs, but Janice still loved their music. “I Can Love You Better” was her favorite. The lyrics, she’s got you wrapped up in her satin and lace. Tied around her little finger…but I can love you better, perfectly summed up all the heartbreak and frustrations of unrequited love; all her secret feelings for Dirk. She only wished she could show him now that he was here. In the flesh. A big strong, blue-lipped and teeth-chattering fantasy come true.

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