What Are You Reading? ~ Feb. 6, 2019

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What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finished reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Hey, friends! I didn't think I was going to post again this week because I have a cold. I felt terrible yesterday, but I'm feeling better today. Not a hundred percent, but enough that I thought I could put this post together!



Currently Reading:

I'm back into Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. My reading group is coming up soon, and I need to have this one finished. I am enjoying it much more than the first time I read it! :)







Recently Finished:

I recently finished reading The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo. It's a cute, fun read about friendship, food, and LA! It's also a quick read. 4 stars.







All I pretty much read in January was Harry Potter. I love those books! I could start rereading them all over again right now. LOL! ;)  -  Instead of listing each book, I'm posting my January wrap-up picture. 

As you can see, I also finished reading The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday. It was great! I hope to have a review up soon!


What's next? 

I want to read The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros. I know, I know, I've said this before! But I'm do want to read it. I was just a little obsessed with Harry Potter.







FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

So, tell me, what are you reading?

Spotlight: The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hello, friends! Today I'm spotlighting a book that will be released in a few days, The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday! I love mail order bride stories, and I was excited about the two in this story having an extra obstacle to overcome as they are both wanted! I've already read the story and loved it! I hope to post a review within the next couple of weeks. 

Sourcebooks Casablanca is also giving away five copies of the book! Details are at the bottom of the page! 

The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride 
by Linda Broday 

Series: Outlaw Mail Order Brides, #1 
Pub Date: January 29, 2019 
ISBN: 9781492651048  

When the West was wild And man’s law favored the few These extraordinary women could be found… …in the heart of an outlaw.  
Former outlaw Clay Colby is abuzz with his mail order bride’s expected arrival. He’s fought long and hard to drag Devil’s Crossing out of lawlessness…so when his homestead is set ablaze by a bitter rival, he’s heartbroken. There’s no woman in the world who’d stand by him now. 

But Tally Shannon is no ordinary woman. 

After escaping the psychiatric hospital in which she was wrongfully detained, Tally only wants someone to protect her and the little girl under her care. She doesn’t mind that Clay’s home is dang near burned to the ground—not when he makes her feel so safe. So cherished. But it’s only a matter of time before the ghosts of her past come calling…and her loving cowboy must defend his new bride—and the family they built together—to his very last breath.

Buy: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • iBooks • Indiebound • Walmart
Add to Goodreads.

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Excerpt

     Tally followed Clay into his dugout. She liked the strong set of his jaw and broad shoulders. He gave the impression that wouldn’t give under a heavy load. The two-inch scar down his face and the revolver swinging from his lean hip suggested he’d seen trouble too many times to count. His dark hair sported a few silver stands at the temples and curled possessively over his collarless shirt like a gunslinger’s hand around his gun. 

     She scanned the dim interior of the dugout, not caring that it was part of the hillside. She loved the scent of the earth and the safety Devil’s Crossing represented. A stack of uncut leather laid in a corner, and pink and yellow flowers on the table added an unexpected homey feel. 

     This outlaw was already surprising her in a lot of ways. Tally motioned to the leather. “What do you make?”

     “Saddles, harnesses, boots, you name it.” Clay flicked her a nervous smile. “I know this doesn’t look like much, but it’s only temporary. As soon as I can, you’ll have a real house.”

     Her mouth tried to turn up in a return smile but her nerves wouldn’t let it. She sat at the table in the chair Clay pulled out for her. “Don’t say anything you don’t mean. I’ve been lied to enough.”

     Sunlight cast his shadow across the plank floor. “Look, Tally Shannon, I never waste words and what I say you can count on. I want something better for you, and already have the land picked out.”

     Tally Shannon cleared her throat. “I have some things to ask of you, Clay. Refusal of any will be a deal-breaker.”

     “Sounds fair enough. I’m sure you won’t need anything too difficult.”

     “I’ll help build your town, share your bed, and raise your children.” She hardened her gaze. “In return, you promise never to put me back in the asylum and you’ll fight anyone who tries. Also extend that promise to Violet and if anything should happen to me, you’ll raise the child. You’ll never collect the reward that’s offered for me and I’ll never collect yours.” She paused before adding. “One last thing—you’ll release me next spring if this marriage doesn’t work.”

     Clay brushed his fingers across her cheek that carried the mark. “You have my word on every stipulation.” His gaze shifted to the gun on her hip and she thought she saw admiration and some intimidation. “I only have one simple request. You have to promise never to shoot me, no matter how mad you get.”

     “That depends on what you what do.” She leaned close, putting her lips next to his ear. “Hurt Violet and I’ll kill you in a heartbeat.”

     He chuckled softly. “Trust me, I’d never be fool enough to cross you. Nor will I ever cause that little girl grief. That’s a vow I’ll never break.”

     “Then we’re clear.” She straightened in her chair.

     Clay leaned forward and lifted a tendril of hair, rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger. “Are you crazy, Tally?”

     She allowed a smile. “Some would say that and at times I wonder. Back in Deliverance Canyon, I’d often wake in the dead of night and stand in the moonlight, letting the breeze brush my face. I needed the reassurance that I wasn’t back in that hellhole.”

     “Do you mind if I ask why you were put there?”

     “My stepmother put me there to get rid of me so she could steal what was mine. She told them that I was a sexual deviant and preyed on children.” She hated her strained voice.

     “I can tell you’re not. I assume she had a ruthless plan.”

Tally’s voice turned cold and hardened. “When my father died, he had quite a large estate that included land, money, and other possessions. He left everything to me which angered my stepmother. She put something in my food that made me deathly ill and unable to fight her or speak. Some men loaded me into a wagon and Lucinda drove me to the Creedmore Lunatic Asylum.”

     “I’ve heard of the place. Most never escape—except in a coffin. You were lucky, Tally.”

     “A fierce determination helps. I was there a year and suffered—” her voice broke. She forced calm and continued. “Crimes you couldn’t imagine. But it only strengthened my resolve. I watched and waited for the right opportunity and when it came, I took it. Five of us broke out that moonless night. I’ve been back several times, once recently, for others like me.”

     “Why do they want to imprison perfectly healthy women? What do they gain?”

     “Money. Families pay a good deal to get rid of who they want. Men are getting rich off them and it’s become a big rotten business.” She watched his eyes darken, his anger build.

     He let her strand of hair fall from his fingers. “Why was Violet there?” he asked, his voice tight.

     “Her parents thought raising a blind child too much trouble.”

     “Dear God! Such fools.” Clay rose to stand at the thick window.

     She didn’t know what the tall, broad-shouldered outlaw was staring at, but the muscles of his jaw clenched tight, speaking of deep anger. He might convince himself that he was through dispensing justice but she could see that it continued to burn.

     Could such a man love her?

     An ache filled Tally. Could he make a little room in his heart for her?

     She bit back a sob that tried to escape. Would she ever find someone who loved her fully and completely? Or would she have to settle for less as she’d always done? She was weary of settling. She wanted to be all of someone’s world, not just a part. She yearned to fill a man’s heart so full that his love for her spilled out all over the place.

About the Author

At a young age, Linda Broday discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. After years of writing romance, it’s still tall rugged cowboys that spark her imagination. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold. She resides in the Texas Panhandle where she’s inspired every day.

Connect with Linda

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

It's giveaway time! Sourcebooks Casablanca is giving away 5 copies of The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride! To enter, click on the Rafflecopter link below!

Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations to Linda Broday on the release of The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride!

And many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for including me in this tour!

Follow Sourcebooks Casablanca

Romance Reads • Instagram • Facebook

So, what did you think about that excerpt? Do you love mail order bride stories as much as I do?

Ethan's Heart by Vickie King ~ My Review

Ethan’s Heart by Vickie King 

Publication Date: December 6, 2016 
Publisher: Salt Run Publishing LLC
Pages: 274 
Received: ARC E-copy from NetGalley for my honest opinion. 
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I loved Ethan’s Heart! I was in the mood for a western romance, and this fit the bill perfectly! 

Set in 1805, Ethan Blackwood is a widower with two small girls. Six months earlier his wife was shot during a bank robbery. Ethan is set on finding her killers, but first, he needs to find someone who will watch and care for his daughters - he needs a wife. 

On the run for the murder of her step-father, Annabelle Benton Holt (Annie) with her baby, Lily, were on a wagon train heading west, but Lily became too sick to continue. So, Annie and Lily stayed behind in the small town of Cooper's Creek.  With little money and in a strange town, Annie is not sure what she is going to do. She needs to find a job quickly. The doctor caring for Lily has been kind to both of them, letting them stay at the office, but that won’t last much longer. 

The doctor happens to be the brother of Ethan Blackwood and thinks he knows the perfect solution for both Ethan and Annie. He arranges a meeting, and soon Ethan and Annie are married. It’s not until after they are married does Annie realize that Ethan’s the town sheriff. Oh, no! Will Ethan find out her secrets? 

I adore Annie! She’s strong and determined to be a good wife and mother. She's also generous and loving. I had tears in my eyes as I felt Annie’s pain. 

Ethan’s a good man but blinded by revenge. He still loves his first wife deeply, and he wants justice for her brutal murder. Will Annie be able to break through all the walls he’s built up? Will Ethan let her into his heart? 

Ethan’s Heart is a page-turner! I couldn’t put it down! It’s slightly predictable, but it does have some nice twists to the story that I didn't see coming. It all wraps together nicely! I would love to read the next book in the series, Escorting Darby Bloom. 

4 stars!

FTC Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the story from the publisher for my honest review.

Buy: Amazon • B&N
Add to Goodreads.

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Connect with Vickie King

Twitter • Website 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Salt Run Publishing LLC, and Vickie King for the opportunity to read Ethan's Heart.

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! 

What Are You Reading? ~ November 2, 2016

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What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finish reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Here's my list: 

Right now I'm back into A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin. Making slow progress, but I would like to get further into this. To be fair, I've been binge watching again. Amazon finally completed season one of Good Girls Revolt, and I had to watch them all! 

I finished reading Ethan's Heart by Vickie King. I really enjoyed it! I should have a review up toward the end of the month.

I also finished This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab. The world building was very slow, and it took a while to get into. Then it was fantastic until the end where it kind of came apart for me (maybe Bk 2 would bring it back?? Is there going to be a book 2?) In other words, it was an ok read. :)

What's next? I haven't been working on my Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge, so I thought I might read Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay. 








FTC Disclaimer: Book (and Good Girls Revolt) links to Amazon - I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.

And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 

So, tell me, what are you reading? 

What Are You Reading? ~ October 19, 2016

What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finish reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Here's my list: 

I'm just starting This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab. So, I don't have much to report. I'm hoping this is going to be good! 

No progress on A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin this week. 

I finished reading The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron and loved it! I thought it was a little slow at the beginning, but about a quarter of the way through I was hooked! I couldn't put it down, and it stayed with me for a couple of days after I finished it. Love it when a book does that to me! 

What's next? I think I'll start Ethan's Heart by Vickie King. I received this western romance from NetGalley.  








Book title links are to Goodreads.

I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.

And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 

So, tell me, what are you reading? 

What are you Reading? ~ December 9, 2015

What are you Reading? is my weekly Wednesday meme! You are welcome to join me, just answer the following questions:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you plan on reading next?

What am I currently reading? I'm currently reading Lucky 13: Matchmaking and Misunderstandings by Cat Gardiner. I've just started it, but it looks really cute and fun! It's a holiday, Pride and Prejudice, Romantic Comedy. 






What did I recently finish reading? Since my last What are you Reading? post (which I haven't been very good at posting!), I've finished three books: 

The Most Unsuitable Wife (The Kincaids Book 1) by Caroline Clemmons. 

Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

Paper Towns by John Green

I enjoyed all three! 

What do I plan on reading next? I need to work on completing my challenges for this year, so I might read something for my Austenesque TBR Challenge. :) 

FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

I also link up this post to Lipsyy Lost & Found. Check out her week in books! 

What are you reading? I'd love to hear!  

What are you Reading? ~ June 3, 2015

What are you Reading? is my weekly Wednesday meme! You are welcome to join me, just answer the following questions:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you'll be reading next?

What am I currently reading? I'm currently reading Forever Yours: Yours by Design, Book 3 by Robin M. Helm. I'm anxious to see how this series ends as it had a continuing storyline through all the books. 







What did I recently finish reading? I finish reading Hearts Stolen (Texas Romance Series Book 2) by Caryl McAdoo. I really enjoyed the first third of the book, then it dragged and felt redundant to me. I found the end anticlimactic. Plus, I was left with unanswered questions at the end. 





What do I think I'll be reading next?  I hope to read Suddenly Mrs. Darcy by Jenetta James, but I may need to squeeze in a different book between the two Austenesque books. So, we'll see! :)







FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Are you reading any good books? 

Blog Tour/Review: A Texan's Choice by Shelley Gray

About A Texan's Choice

When notorious outlaw Scout Proffitt wins a rundown ranch in west Texas, he expects to find the home he’s never had. Instead, he finds a run-down shack, a barn in dire straits…and a lovely woman who’s in no hurry to give up her ranch.

When Scout discovers that Rosemarie has nowhere else to go, he   reluctantly allows her to stay with him for two weeks until she can find another home. But soon the locals get involved and insist they marry.

Determined to do at least one thing right in his life, he marries Rose. Then people from his past come back and give him an offer he can’t refuse. If things go well, he can make a fresh start. If not, he’ll be even worse off than before.

Which was something he never thought possible…

My Review:

Next to Regency, Historical Romance stories set in the American West are one of my favorite to read. I was very happy to get a chance to read A Texan’s Choice. I was intrigued to see how Gray would turn a gunslinger into a hero, and I was delighted with the results!

Rosemarie has always felt like an outsider in her own home. Her mother has never forgiven her for the death of her little brother. It was an accident, but that doesn’t matter. Now, her father was dead, and her mother was leaving her to go to live with her sister and brother-in-law, leaving her at the mercy of a killer.

Scout Proffit was a gunfighter who had run with the Walton Gang. Men feared him. He had come to claim the ranch he had won in a card game a couple of months back. What he found when he got there was a run down ranch and Rosemarie. With no place to go, Rosemarie asks if she can stay on at the ranch until she can find another place to go. Reluctantly, Scout agrees. When the town folks find out they are alone on the ranch, they insist that Scout and Rosemarie marry.

Deep down Scout is a decent man. He didn’t start out wanting to be a killer, but out of desperation he had become one, and he found he was good at it - real good. He was surprised how easy it was to shut off his feelings, and walk away from those he killed. When he realizes Rosemarie’s family is abandoning her, Scout feels a strong need to protect her. I love Scout and how he softens up to Rosemarie.

Another man who also ran with the Walton Gang is Russell Champion. Russell was tired of an outlaw’s life. He wanted to be able to walk the streets without worrying about the law coming after him. Then there is Miles Grant, owner of Circle Z ranch, he too struggled with low self-esteem. He worked hard to earn the trust of his hands at the ranch, but he still felt as if he needed to prove himself worthy of that trust and have their respect. When trouble comes to call, can these three men come together and break free of their pasts?

I liked Scout and Rosemarie's story. I love that whole damsel in distress and the strong, handsome,...gunslinger, in this case, who comes along and saves the day! I also enjoyed Mile's story. I really liked his feisty housekeeper, Annebeth. I liked how she bosses Miles around and always knows what's going on around town and at the ranch.

Even though, this is the third book of the series, and I have not read the first two, I didn’t feel as if I were missing anything. So, I would say this story can stand alone. But now I want to read A Texan’s Promise and A Texan’s Honor!

4 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review. 

ABOUT SHELLEY GRAY

Shelley Gray’s first Amish novel, Hidden, was nominated for the Inspirational Readers Choice award. Her bookSimple Gifts won the Reviewers Choice Award. Shelley’s novel, The Protector, recently made the New York Timesbestseller list.  Her novels have won the prestigious HOLT Medallion Award, the Reviewers Choice Award, and been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She’s also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. In addition, her novels have made both the USA Today and New York Times Bestsellers lists.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degrees in educational administration. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time.

Her latest book is the Christian historical fiction, A Texan’s Choice.

You can visit Shelley’s website at www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

Connect with Shelley: Facebook | Goodreads 

Purchase A Texan’s Choice: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |  ChristianBook.com | Abingdon Press

A Texan’s Choice Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

Monday, November 5

Book Review at Splashes of Joy

Tuesday, November 6

Book Review & Book Giveaway at Colletta’s Kitchen Sink

Wednesday, November 7

Book Review at Legacy of a Writer

Thursday, November 8

Book Review at 4 the Love of Books

Friday, November 9

Book Review & Book Giveaway at Reviews From the Heart

Interview at 4 the Love of Books

Monday, November 12

Book Review at WV Stitcher

Tuesday, November 13

Book Review at The Book Connection

Wednesday, November 14

Book Review at Book Club Sisters

Thursday, November 15

Book Review at Everyday Is An Adventure

Book Review at  Mocha with Linda

Friday, November 16

Book Review at The Bunny’s Review

Monday, November 19

Book Review at Maureen’s Musings

Tuesday, November 20

Book Review at Cafe Lily Book Reviews

Wednesday, November 21

Book Review at Books Books the Magical Fruit

Thursday, November 22

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Friday, November 23

Interview at The Writer’s Life

Monday, November 26

Book Review at So Little Time…

Book Review at Kaisy Daisy’s Corner

Tuesday, November 27

Read-A-Chapter at As the Pages Turn

Friday, November 30

Book Review & Book Giveaway at Christian Book Review Blog

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!