Sunday Review: The Writers Coffee Shop Presents: Matronly Duties by Melissa Kendall

Release Date: May 21 , 2015

Published by The Writers Coffee Shop

Genre:  FICTION / Romance / General / Science Fiction ISBN e-book:    978-1-61213-369-0

Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

 

~~REVIEW~~

 

This writing was very enjoying. There was excellent character development and the fact that the author kept my attention was much kudos.

 

There wasn't anything inherently wrong with the story itself but it didn't suck me in 100% of the way so I can only give it a 4 star. It may have been my fault since I've been quite distracted. So I think that this is an off shoot on my part.

 

This story had a lot of very positive things inside of it. I'd like to read another story by this author. I know this one was a sequel so when the next one comes out I def would give it a shot!

 

 

 

 

~~SUMMARY~~

Hundreds of years after an asteroid slammed into Earth and sent it into a new ice age, what remains of the human race lives on in underground sanctuaries. Now, as the bicentennial anniversary of the impact approaches, a new leader prepares to take her place at the head of the government. At least, that’s what she thinks.

Bethanie Greene’s life has been planned out for her since the age of thirteen. Beautiful and intelligent, she’s spent the last twelve years training to become the next Matron of the underground nation of Oceania. But when Bethanie is kidnapped by rogue extremists just six weeks shy of taking office, her world is turned upside down by the handsome stranger who rescues her.

Howard James’ life has been the polar opposite of Bethanie’s. Struggling to survive in a world where those in power wished he didn’t exist, he harbors a deep-seated resentment of the government and all its representatives. Together with his unconventional family, he shows Bethanie a life she never knew was possible, while at the same time, opening her eyes to the injustices of the government she is meant to lead.

But can she trust a stranger? And can a few days change everything she believes and desires? Against all odds, Bethanie must decide if her heart and her duties can coexist.

 

ADD TO GOODREADS BOOK SHELF

~~EXCERPT~~

My body shakes at the thought of what could have happened to me yet again. I’ve heard stories about the slums, and I have to take a few deep breaths to calm myself.

“I was silly running away, I get it. I just couldn’t stay in your home any longer.”

Howard sighs. “Just because my parents raised us with traditionalist values doesn’t mean we are anything like the Trads. You accused us of being a drain on society, but you don’t even know us.”

“You’re right, I don’t. But you don’t know me either. If you did, you would understand why it’s hard for me to understand your way of life. It goes against every law, moral, and convention I’ve been taught. So I can’t be sorry for what I said, even if I’m sorry I ran out of the house.”

Howard takes a deep breath, then exhales long and slow. The expression on his face looks a bit like pity but with a dash of guilt mixed in. “Look, maybe I’ve judged you unfairly based on preconceived notions, but—”

A loud bang echoes outside. Howard glances at me with a panicked look on his face, and then pulls me off the crate onto the floor behind. I sit up, and turn to yell at him, but male voices outside keep my mouth closed. I instead huddle closer to Howard as he puts his hand around my shoulders. He pulls me in until I’m tucked against him.

“Did you see where she went?” a man’s voice asks.

“Nah, she just vanished.” The voice of this one sounds young.

“Damn, the boss isn’t going to be pleased about this.”

The crunch of shoes against pavement indicates they are on the move again. The sounds trail off until they’re no longer audible. I sigh in relief, all the tension fleeing my body.

“Are you okay?’ Howard asks, rubbing my shoulder.

I glance up, only then noticing how little space is between us. His blue eyes have flecks of grey in them, and there’s a smattering of freckles covering his nose and cheeks. His warm breath tickles my cheek almost like a caress, and his jaw has the barest hint of a five o’clock shadow. He really is captivating.

“I’m fine,” I eventually say, the words a mere whisper.

The butterflies in my stomach return with a vengeance. Howard licks his lips as they turn up ever so slightly in a smile.

“Good.”

I can’t stop the sigh that slips past my own lips. Howard leans forward a little, then moves closer still until his mouth is pressed against mine. I don’t dare move. A zing of something, I’m not sure whether it’s pleasure or fear, shoots through me. His lips are soft and wet, and the sensation is unlike anything I’ve felt before. I can’t even decide if I want him to continue or stop. When he pulls away though, a feeling of disappointment bubbles up inside me.

My first kiss.

Goosebumps cover me from head to toe, and unbidden, my fingers move to my lips. Glancing at Howard, he stares at me for a minute, then moves to sit further away.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

I shrug. “It’s okay.”

Howard frowns and then looks across the room.

Part of Matron training is learning not to form close relationships. It doesn’t mean it never happens. I’ve heard the odd story here and there from the other women, and I realise that’s probably what Gail was trying to tell me at breakfast the other day. But in all honesty, I can’t remember the last time I had real physical contact with anyone, above all with a man.

We sit in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. Tension rolls off Howard in waves.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Come on,” Howard whispers. “We need to get to the house before those guys come back.”

 

~~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~~

 

Melissa Kendall is an almost forty-year-old mother of two from Perth, Western Australia, the second-most isolated capital city in the world. Predominantly a stay-at-home mum, she works a few hours a week as a software support consultant. She has always loved to read and write, and spent most of her teens writing poetry and short stories. Over the years, daily life got in the way and she lost the passion for it, but after the birth of her first child, Melissa discovered e-books and her interest in writing rekindled. She is now the author of two published short stories. Matronly Duties is her first full-length novel.

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~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~

Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Website

 

Sunday Review: The Here And Now by Ann Brashares

Title: The Here and Now
Author: Ann Brashares
Source: Received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link: AMAZON

Blurb

Follow the rules. Remember what happened. Never fall in love.

This is the story of seventeen-year-old Prenna James, who immigrated to New York when she was twelve. Except Prenna didn’t come from a different country. She came from a different time—a future where a mosquito-borne illness has mutated into a pandemic, killing millions and leaving the world in ruins.

Prenna and the others who escaped to the present day must follow a strict set of rules: never reveal where they’re from, never interfere with history, and never, ever be intimate with anyone outside their community. Prenna does as she’s told, believing she can help prevent the plague that will one day ravage the earth.

But everything changes when Prenna falls for Ethan Jarves.

From Ann Brashares, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, The Here and Now is thrilling, exhilarating, haunting, and heartbreaking--and a must-read novel of the year.

"This gripping story is set in a world unlike any other and inhabited by beautifully imagined characters that stay with you long after the last page. As always, Brashares expertly captures the wonder of love’s enduring power.” – Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars

Review

I really enjoyed this little story. I read almost all of it on a Saturday afternoon. It was a pleasant way to pass the time.

The story line is interesting - it makes me want to know more about what happened in 'the future' and what made these characters come back in time. Aside from the plague and all. Like, why THESE characters and not others?

I don't typically like characters in high school but these main characters I actually was able to bond to and like. Which speaks a lot of volume for this author because I am very hard to get to enjoy YA characters.

I am interested in what happens in the next book. So I think if I am given the chance to review that one I will say yes. Again kind of shocked that I am attached to a YA character!

The main reason that I am giving this a 4 star review is because I could put it down. While I read it all in pretty much one sitting - that was because I was just home relaxing. I wasn't so hooked that I couldn't put it down.

But - it was still a very nice afternoon read that I did enjoy.

I haven't given a 4 star review in a while so I also think that this was very refreshing to me. Having a book that wasn't riddled with errors.

If you like YA books I think you will love this one and if you  like good afternoon reads I really recommend it!!

A PS Note - As I am putting this blog together I just saw the price of the book - I do think it's a bit over priced for the ebook based on the length of the story. That actually puts me back as a reader ... Just thought I would add that in there just a bit ... I had to be honest

Sunday Review & Interview: Cursed by Ice by Jacquelyn Frank

Title: CURSED BY ICE
Author: Jacquelyn Frank
Source: NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link: Amazon

Blurb

As punishment for plotting with his brothers to steal immortality, Garreth is suffering a freezing torment until the end of time. Again and again, his fierce fighter’s physique is frozen into a chiseled ice sculpture, his heart hardening like a diamond in his chest—only to thaw and resume the chilling torture. Until, like his older brother Dethan, he is offered a reprieve from a goddess—in exchange for his allegiance in a celestial civil war.

Garreth lives to fight and fights to live. But while laying siege to an embattled city, he finds another reason to go on—a beautiful warrior woman named Sarielle, who commands a mythic beast through a mysterious and powerful bond. Terrified of her strength, the city rulers have kept her captive, and now she refuses to submit to a new master. As Garreth seeks to unleash her passion and melt the icy resistance of her heart, will he become her ultimate salvation—or lead them both to greater destruction?

Review

Better than the first one! Don't you love when the second book is better than the first? That's how I feel too. Garreth led us on an amazing adventure that had even more inside of it than Dethan's book. I can only hope that book 3 will be just as much if not more awesome!

This book had a totally different kind of conflict inside of it. At first I was slightly worried that since both were love stories then there would be some overlap or similarities with the second as the first book had. Luckily i was wrong!

Book 1 let us learn all about Dethan's temperament which we discover in book 2 actually changed now that he was married and a father. I was actually kind of surprised by the change in tone with him.

But what I loved was Darreth and Sarielle. All women know men can make things so much more complicated than they really are and that's what Darreth did. It was annoying yet enjoying.

And I loved the dragon! I'm not going to say more on him as it will ruin some of the surprises. But, I loved him!

Ms. Frank continues to write excellent fiction. I wish all the authors I read were as easy to follow and as enjoying as her. These pages flew by for me and I am sure they will for you too.

INTERVIEW

1)      What made you start this new Immortal Brothers series and how many books do you think you will have in it?

JF: I was in the mood for something different. I wanted to change it up a little from the NIGHTWALKERS series, and this is what came to me. There’s going be 4 books in the series.

2)      Is there any chance we will see more of the Gods playing a bigger factor in all of these worlds? Not just the small roles we have seen thus far.

JF: The Gods generally play the same role as in the first book, but they figure more into the story in the last book.

3)      How did you come up with the different races that you portrayed inside the book? Was it easy or hard? Did you have a clear image of what you wanted or did it evolve as you wrote the stories out?

JF: It was pretty easy for me. It generally evolved as I wrote the story. I have no plans, it just generates itself in my mind as I write.

4)      Are you a plotter or pantser?

JF: I’m a pantser! I write things down as I go only for the sake of keeping track of what I’ve already written. My memory ain’t what it used to be!

5)      What inspired you to start this new series?

(same question as #1)

6)      The NIGHTWALKER series is amazing, I truly love it. I enjoyed the last two books that came out, FORGED and FORSAKEN, how did you come up with that in depth series?

JF: It’s the same as I said before—it just generates as I write. I don’t plan things out, I just regurgitate words!

7)      Was there ever a time when you didn’t think you wanted to continue in the fantasy/paranormal genre?

JF: No- paranormal and fantasy is my niche.

8)      Did you always want to be a writer? Was there someone who inspired you to pick up a pen and start creating worlds?

JF: I always wanted to be a writer—I started when I was 13 years old. The only people who inspired me were the authors I read every day.

9)      Will there be another NIGHTWALKER book?

JF: There’ll be one more, the last book. It’s called FORGIVEN.

10)   Is there anything you have in the way of advice for aspiring and up and coming authors?

JF: Just don’t give up! Keep trying. Take chances. If I had done those things, I would have been published a lot sooner than I was.

11)   What’s your favorite part of living in North Carolina?

JF: Beautiful mountains, beautiful weather…what’s not to love?

12)   I heard a rumor you have some ‘sexier’ writings out there, can you tell me about them?

JF: You might want to check out the books I write as “Jax.”

13)   I like to do a lightning round, so these are quick questions

a.       Light or Dark Dark

b.      Coke or Pepsi Pepsi

c.       Football or Baseball Baseball

d.      Pool or Beach Beach

e.      Winter or Summer Winter

f.        Superman or Batman Batman

g.       Books or Ebooks Ebooks

h.      Movies or Television Movies

i.        Camping or Resort Resort

Thank you so much for this interview. I can’t wait for your next novel!

You’re welcome! Anytime!

Sunday Review: The Writers Coffee Shop Presents: Indivisible Line by Lorenz Font

Title: Indivisible Line
Author: Lorenz Font
Source: Received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link: Amazon

BLURB

Pre-med student Sarah Jones is back in Beaver, Alaska, for summer vacation. A loyal member of the Gwich'in tribe, she accepts the rules set by her father, the leader of their small town. Raised in a strict household, she learned early on to do what is expected of her and has agreed to an arranged marriage. Despite her reluctance to marry without love, Sarah is unwilling to defy her father's wishes. She hopes to help usher in an era of independence and stability for the town, but for now, her focus is finishing med school so she can become Beaver's resident doctor. Business owner Greg Andrews wants to escape his philandering wife and his life in general. Leaving New York City to join a hunting expedition in Alaska, Greg's plans are turned upside down when he is shot on Gwich'in land and ends up on Sarah's operating table. In the absence of a qualified doctor, Sarah must operate to save his life. She refuses to wait for the consent of their tribal leader, and her father banishes her from the tribal land in punishment. Grateful for his life, Greg concocts a scheme to help. Plagued by the side effects of her unconventional operation, he convinces Sarah to become his live-in nurse. Without the means to support herself, Sarah agrees to the questionable arrangement, but she soon finds herself in even more trouble. Her new problem is that she is falling in love with this infuriating man, and the choices she now must make are much more difficult than the simple act of saving a man's life. Together, Sarah and Greg must both decide whether they can overcome the vast differences between them, or if the indivisible line that separates their worlds will ultimately pull

REVIEW

There was a lot that I liked about this book. I felt the story line was pretty original except for the fact it was a naive girl falling in love with a millionaire..but I'm going to let that go since I enjoyed the story.

Sarah was a likeable character. She didn't annoy me like most 18-24 year old female lead characters do. I often times forgot she was young.

I wasn't a huge fan of Greg. He got under my skin with his controlling demeanor and his ability to complicate the situations.

Often times I feel like we complicate the situations and that's really what he did. He complicated everything and after a while you're like omfg come on already!

I liked how Sarah took her dad's criticism in stride and worked her way through that pain.

The writing was very decent. I felt it was easy to follow and it didn't feel like there were any gaping holes in the story which I like. It kept me reading which is important.

Overall I think this story is a strong 3.5 star. If I had liked Greg more it would have been a 4 star but as it stands he had a bit to many characteristics that made me want to slap him ... so 3.5 stars it is.

I would read another book by this author. If that brings it up some. I really enjoyed her easy going style.

Sunday Review: Cursed By Fire by Jacquelyn Frank

Title: CURSED BY FIRE

Author: Jacquelyn Frank
Source: NetGalley - in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link AMAZON

Blurb

For centuries, Dethan has been trapped in a fiery inferno for defying the gods and snatching the power of immortality. Condemned to have his battle-hardened body licked by flames only to regenerate and be consumed all over again, Dethan has lost all hope—until the Goddess of Conflict appears. She will release him from torment—if he’ll use his power and strength as a warrior to raise an army and defeat a fierce enemy faction of gods.

Free to live as a man once again, Dethan meets Selinda—heir to the throne of Hexis—and his thoughts quickly turn from the conquest of cities to the conquest of this headstrong beauty. Betrothed to a cruel, calculating powermonger, Selinda needs a champion, and so Dethan enters into another bargain: If she will share her bed—and her body—with him, Dethan will save her city from destructive forces within and without. As the lovers ignite a searing passion, Dethan will risk all—even the wrath of the Goddess of Conflict—for a chance to mate Selinda

Review

Love - Love Love Love! This book was a fantastic star t to a new series. The book had everything inside it. There was love, hate, war, gods, magic, conflict, everything! And it was so well balanced. You often times find that once authors get to a certain stage their writing begins to trail off but that isn't the case with Ms. Frank. I feel like each book of hers I read is stronger and stronger. Which is very impressive.

She has a writing style that eases you in and gives you a lot of greatness. Her book is very much a page turner.

Dethan is an easy to like kind of alpha male. There wasn't really any characteristics about him that turned me off. Sometimes these 'alpha males' get too big for themselves or too demanding and too controlling but not him.

I enjoyed how he and Selinda got along and I really enjoyed what they did to save her from the man she was betrothed to.

I was very happy that I had the second book to read right off the bat. When this one ended I was like "Whew thank god I can start book two."

This will keep you entertained, make you feel good and give you another series to sit back and wait for in 2015.

Sunday Review: Veronica Mars: Mr. Kiss and Tell by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham

Title:  Veronica Mars Mr Kiss And Tell
Author: Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham
Source: Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link: AMAZON



BLURB

In the second book in the New York Times bestselling mystery series, Veronica Mars is back with a case that will expose the hidden workings of one of Neptune’s most murderous locations.

The Neptune Grand has always been the seaside town’s ritziest hotel, despite the shady dealings and high-profile scandals that seem to follow its elite guests. When a woman claims that she was brutally assaulted in one of its rooms and left for dead by a staff member, the owners know that they have a potential powder keg on their hands. They turn to Veronica to disprove—or prove—the woman's story.

The case is a complicated mix of hard facts, mysterious occurrences, and uncooperative witnesses. The hotel refuses to turn over its reservation list and the victim won’t divulge who she was meeting that night. Add in the facts that the attack happened months ago, the victim’s memory is fuzzy, and there are holes in the hotel’s surveillance system, and Veronica has a convoluted mess on her hands. As she works to fill in the missing pieces, it becomes clear that someone is lying—but who? And why?



REVIEW

As a Marshmellow when I got the email from NetGalley telling me I had been approved for this book it is very easy to say I was stoked with excitement. Book 1 left me wanting more. And more is what I got. More Logan, which I loved. NOW, do I like where the Veronica/Logan story line is going? I am very much unsure about that. I don't want to give any spoilers away so I won't. But I will just say Rob Thomas better not be doing what he sure seems to be doing!

This book had some good Weavil moments. Even though he has cleaned up his act you see bits and pieces of the old Neptune loving Gang Member coming back out. I think his choices made total sense in this book and I completely understood them.

The surprise for me was Leo. I know we saw him in the movie so I knew he was bound to be around but I didn't see Veronica getting him involved in this case. It was a pleasant yet bitter sweet surprise. Again no spoilers!

I wish we could have had more of Mac, Wallace and Dick in the book. I think Rob Thomas leaves some characters out too much. I really missed seeing more of them.

One thing about Rob Thomas's writing is you can very easily see the pictures he paints. Now, i'll be honest, I don't know if that is because we know these characters from the television show and movie or if it is because the worlds on his pages seem to draw a movie layout inside your head as you read them. Either way it was very enjoyable.

You might be wondering with all of these positives why is it only a 4 star? Because I could put it down. Granted I wanted to finish it, I love the characters and I am really attached to the characters on the show and in the book, it just didn't MAKE me turn the pages.

Overall it was a very well written book with a lot of positives. I'll deff read any future books and recommend this series to anyone who I think would like it. But all in all I'm giving it 4 stars.

Sunday Review: The City by Dean Koontz

Title: The City
Author: Dean Koontz
Source: Net Galley
Purchase Link: Amazon

Blurb:

A young boy, a musical prodigy, discovering life’s wonders—and mortal dangers.
His best friend, also a gifted musician, who will share his journey into destiny.
His remarkable family, tested by the extremes of evil and bound by the depths of love . . . on a collision course with a band of killers about to unleash anarchy.
And two unlikely allies, an everyday hero tempered by the past and a woman of mystery who holds the key to the future.

These are the people of The City, a place where enchantment and malice entwine, courage and honor are found in the most unexpected quarters, and the way forward lies buried deep inside the heart. Brilliantly illumined by magic dark and light, their unforgettable story is a riveting, soul-stirring saga that speaks to everyone, a major milestone in the celebrated career of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz and a dazzling realization of the evergreen dreams we all share.



Review:

I used to love Dean Koontz. When I was in college I read his books constantly. he was one of my favorite authors and somewhere over the years I had phased him out. After hearing my husband talk about Mr. Koontz's books while he was reading the Odd Thomas series it made me want to dive into the author I used to love. When I saw this pop up on the recommendations for Net Galley I jumped at the chance to read it. Because to me, Dean Koontz was one of the classics!

Sighs - sometimes memories should just stay in the past.

I am really very unsure why I used to love his writing so much. After reading this novel it makes me question my own judgment. I am just, so disappointed. I wanted to love this story but I just can't. I am very saddened by this. It felt like his thoughts were being stopped mid sentence. He jumped around inside the scenes making me feel lost and confused.

And I didn't even realize the main character was African American until halfway through the book. Maybe I just missed the descriptions but I would think that it would  be important to paint a vivid picture of the main character from the get-go.

It wasn't all bad, the general premise of the story and the story line itself I loved. I really enjoyed 'the City' (a character in the story) and I loved the little boy.

I just didn't like the style of writing I guess.

Now if you are a current Dean Koontz reader then you will most likely love this book. But me, after being gone from his novels for so long, I just can't love it.

I'm going to give this a 3 star rating because I had a lot of issues with it. But overall the story itself was solid and I liked all the characters.

Sunday Review: The Memory Healer by Julie Filarski

Title: The Memory Healer

Author: Julie Filarski

Release Date: June 19, 2014

Source: Net Galley in exchange for an honest review

Purchase Links: Amazon

Blurb

On a wet summer morning in the historical township of Port Brandon, South Eastern Australia, talented artist and psychic Beth Montgomery reluctantly agrees to carry out a psychic assessment of Carrington House. She soon becomes frightened by a string of nightmares that could be warning her not to tamper with the metaphysical. Despite her fears, she braces herself for what is to come and continues to unearth the secrets of the past.

As soon as she enters the historical home, the image of a distraught Victorian maid appears, and then a young woman manifests on the staircase. Beth is transported to another era, where a magnificent four-poster bed, an engraved watch, and an exquisite ring evoke fleeting memories. When Beth spies a calendar, the date fills her with dread, but she cannot remember why.

Returning to the present time, Beth agrees to work for the irresistible Dr Matthew Jamieson, the new vet in the district. Each time they meet, memories of another lifetime flood her heart. She senses an eternal bond between them, but with two unfaithful partners in her past, she is reluctant to become romantically involved with him.

As her passion for Matthew intensifies, she regresses to 1895. In her past life as Mary Clark, she meets the darkly handsome Samuel Methven and falls in love with him on sight. But is he as honourable as he seems? Faced with Samuel’s apparent betrayal, Beth is plagued by fears that Matthew will also be unfaithful to her. She knows that to learn the truth, she must return to her past life, but that means facing an unbearable tragedy. Does Beth have the courage to move between lifetimes and relive that dreadful event? Will she be able to discover whether her soulmate was faithful to his twin soul?

Review

This review took me a while to come up with. I enjoyed the book. No doubt about that. But there was just something about it that left me questioning things. I thought the premise was very unique. A time traveling psychic who experienced her past lives. Very clever. 

I think what had me wanting more was the relationship between Beth and Matthew. I get that they were soul mates but I didn't really feel the whole relationship build up with them.

I did like how Beth had to work through her past issues and solve the mystery of Samuel. That I liked a lot.

Overall I am giving this a 3.5 star rating simply because as much as I did enjoy it the Beth and Matthew story line could have had more.

The Trailer

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw-rlZ1Nbws]

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Introducing Julie

Julie Filarski’s love of reading quickly progressed to a love of writing. While writing The Memory Healer, she studied Professional Writing and Editing at Chisholm Institute in Berwick, Australia. Much of the novel was written on the train while she travelled to and from work at the University of Melbourne.

Julie first began studying the metaphysical realm in the early 1980’s. After a few sessions of Hatha yoga, she quickly became drawn to yoga philosophy and the belief in reincarnation. Since that time, Julie studied the topic in depth, as well as researching a wide range of other spiritual topics. Her studies have led her to understand that mankind has an inherent belief in immortality and that there is a deep and underlying spiritual purpose to all life.

Julie lives with her husband, Murray, near Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia. They have two children and five lovely grandchildren.

Connect with Julie on

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Sunday Review: Rescue at Cardwell Ranch & Wanted Woman by B. J. Daniels

Title Rescue at Cardwell Ranch & Wanted Woman
Author B.J. Daniels
Source I received this through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Links  Amazon,

Blurb
Meet the Cardwell Cousins, a continuation of the Cardwell Ranch collection read by more than 2 MILLION!

The highly anticipated continuation of the Cardwell RanchCollection, read by more than 2 MILLION!

Saving her once was risky. Rescuing her again may be fatal.

When Hayes Cardwell arrived in Big Sky, Montana, for his brother's wedding, the Texas P.I. didn't expect to play hero. But ever since he saved her from a brutal abductor, he can't get McKenzie Sheldon out of his mind and heart. 

McKenzie was drawn to Hayes from the moment she awoke and saw the tall, dark cowboy who'd saved her like some Western fantasy. But can he protect her from a danger that's much closer than they think? 

In the reader-favorite Wanted Woman, Maggie Randolph was searching for something and running from someone. But she didn't plan on meeting a man she could…trust. Except Timber Falls deputy sheriff Jesse Tanner had to catch her before it was too late

Review

This was a novel with two stories inside of it. The first one was easy to fall into and read. The second one I just never felt attached to it. The first story, Rescue at Cardwell Ranch the main characters were easy to like. While McKenzie did things that made you scream right along with Haves she was like the rest of the women. Strong willed and determined and you have to like that inside of stories.

Not sure what it was about Wanted Woman but I never felt bonded with the characters and because of that I just couldn't finish it. I really tried but maybe it just wasn't for me.

So as good as the first one was, (I'd give it alone a 4.5) the second just wasn't there and so I am going to give this a 3.5 star. But like I said, maybe it just wasn't for me.