Weekend Ramblings #11

My answer to last week's weekend ramblings question is...

Merryton, CO! There is just something about that small town. It's one of my most favorite places to escape! *dreamy sigh*

Are you ready for another Weekend Ramblings a la KJ?!

Well then... let's get ready to raaaaammmmmbbbbbllllleeeee!!!!!

This week's rambling question is...

*Do you prefer to read one book at a time? Or do you like reading several books all at once?*

Courting the Countess by Donna Hatch

Synopsis:

When charming rake Tristan Barrett sweeps Lady Elizabeth off her feet, stealing both her heart and a kiss in a secluded garden, her brother challenges Tristan to a duel. The only way to save her brother and Tristan from harm—not to mention preserve her reputation—is to get married. But her father, the Duke of Pemberton, refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone but a titled lord. The duke demands that Elizabeth marry Tristan’s older brother, Richard, the Earl of Averston. Now Elizabeth must give up Tristan to marry a man who despises her, a man who loves another, a man she’ll never love.

Richard fears Elizabeth is as untrustworthy as his mother, who ran off with another man. However, to protect his brother from a duel and their family name from further scandal, he agrees to the wedding, certain his new bride will betray him. Yet when Elizabeth turns his house upside down and worms her way into his reluctant heart, Richard suspects he can’t live without his new countess. Will she stay with him or is it too little, too late?

My Review: 4 Stars

Elizabeth has been abused and singled out her entire life. She is made to feel stupid, worthless and invisible. She craves love and attention. So when the infamous rake, Tristan, pays her some attention, she finds herself "in love"... and eventually in a compromising position. To save her from ruin, her brother demands a duel and her father demands that she be married. But he will not allow her to marry Tristan. He demands that she marry his older brother, Richard, the Earl of Averston. 

Richard is none to happy with the circumstances his brother's actions have landed them in. He has worked for years to keep his family's name from being tarnished and keep it out of the mouths of gossips. But all it took was one wrong move by his brother and all his work could go up in smoke. Now he's forced to either watch his brother get hurt or killed or marry someone who he can never trust, let alone love. There really is no choice. He must save his brother and hope his wife doesn't turn out to be just like his mother. 

Because of past hurts both Elizabeth and Richard have trust issues and don't know how to communicate. Is it any wonder their marriage gets off to a rocky start? They are brought together through various circumstances and slowly start growing closer together. But just as they start making progress, life throws them curve balls full of doubt. Will they ever learn to put their faith and trust into each other so they can have a life full of love and happiness? Or are they doomed to a loveless marriage full of hurt and deceit? 

I have been a Donna Hatch fan from the first book of hers I picked up. Sadly, I read one too many historical romance books in a short period of time and just got burned out on them. It has been awhile since I have picked one up. But when I saw that Donna had released a new book and all my friends loved it, I knew I needed to pick it up and give it a try. I was NOT disappointed! I loved watching Elizabeth and Richard grow not only as individuals but as a couple as well. The feels were definitely real with this book! My only complaint is the book just ended! And we all know how much I hate that! An epilogue would have been perfect in my opinion. ;) 

I am definitely glad I read this book. It was the perfect getaway. I wonder if Tristan and Selina will get their own books?! Hmmmm.... 

And of course we can't forget my casting! I have to admit I had a hard time narrowing it down to these two. A big thank you to one of my best book buddies for her help! ;) 

First Line Friday's #10

Ok party people! It's that time again! First Line Friday's hosted by my amazing friend Kathy over at Bookworm Nation! Are you ready?! 

This week's First Line Friday is:

Courting the Countess

When charming rake Tristan Barrett sweeps Lady Elizabeth off her feet, stealing both her heart and a kiss in a secluded garden, her brother challenges Tristan to a duel. The only way to save her brother and Tristan from harm—not to mention preserve her reputation—is to get married. But her father, the Duke of Pemberton, refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone but a titled lord. The duke demands that Elizabeth marry Tristan’s older brother, Richard, the Earl of Averston. Now Elizabeth must give up Tristan to marry a man who despises her, a man who loves another, a man she’ll never love.

Richard fears Elizabeth is as untrustworthy as his mother, who ran off with another man. However, to protect his brother from a duel and their family name from further scandal, he agrees to the wedding, certain his new bride will betray him. Yet when Elizabeth turns his house upside down and worms her way into his reluctant heart, Richard suspects he can’t live without his new countess. Will she stay with him or is it too little, too late?

First Line

"Lady Elizabeth had never dared hope she would find the kind of joy that inspired poets and musicians... until she met the incomparable Tristan Barrett."

I have been trying to find something different to read. So when I saw that several of my friends have read and loved Courting the Countess, I decided that I needed to give it a try. I have loved all of Donna Hatch's books that I have read so far so I'm sure I will love this one as well! :)

Do you want to participate in First Line? Yes?! Then tell us what your First Line is! Are you going to do a blog post? Then don't forget to link your post back to Bookworm Nation! Post your link in the comments. Don't have a blog? No worries! Just leave a comment with the title, author name and first line.

Ready?! And GO!

The Adventurous One by Jeanette Lewis

Synopsis:

Taylor Medlin may have taken the billionaire bride pact when she was a teenager at Camp Wallakee, but she wasn’t thinking about that when she married the man of her dreams several years later. And she certainly wasn’t thinking about the pact when she signed the divorce papers after only eighteen months.

Once burned, twice shy, Taylor has sworn off romance until a family emergency pulls her home to Sioux Falls and into the arms of old friend, Lane Carter. But Lane has his own demons and he and Taylor must decide whether the past will bring them together, or tear them apart.

My Review: 4 Stars

Taylor was the first of her Camp Wallakee friends to get married. She is also the only one to get divorced. But she just couldn't stay married to a controlling, abusive jerk. After wallowing for a short period of time she put her big girl pants on and did what she had always wanted to do... travel the world. But when a family emergency calls her home, she's brought face to face with her past... both good and bad. Does she have the courage to face the past and move forward to the future? Or will it be too much to face and have her running again? 

Lane was in a horrible accident that took his legs. He now sees himself as half a man. He can't see how anyone can love him without his legs. He's resigned himself to being alone. He can't be that kind of a burden to anyone... especially a wife. But when Taylor comes back into his life and makes him want to live again, he starts thinking that maybe, just maybe he can see a future filled with all the dreams he gave up.

But when outside forces try to ruin Lane's progress, it will take a lot of soul searching, courage and faith to move forward. But with the promise and love of a good woman, he can do anything and everything he sets his mind to. 

I absolutely loved the relationship between Taylor and Lane! They were so good for each other. Both of them had experienced loss and heartache in different ways but their experiences brought them closer together. Their relationship can be summed up in a sentence from the book... "They were good partners, encouraging, praising, pushing when necessary, accepting no excuses and prodding the last ounce of effort from one another." They complimented and completed each other. They were just perfect together! 

I have to say that I was a bit disappointed in Taylor's family, minus her grandma... I loved her! ;) But it really irked me that they kept wishing for her to be reunited with her ex-husband. They didn't care for her happiness at all. I kept hoping for Taylor to put them in their places but alas... she did not. :( 

I know I say this whenever a new book is released but I am LOVING this series! It is seriously SO fun! I can't wait for the next book to be released! Eeeek! Is it out yet?! ;) Hehe. 

Jeanette Lewis has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I am not ashamed to admit that I stalk her on a regular basis to see when her next book will be released. And the moment it's live... I grab it! Her books are always such a fun getaway for me. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! :) 

And my casting... *dreamy sigh* I'm kinda in love with these two... ;)

Weekend Ramblings #10

I'm sure you've noticed that it's been awhile since I have done a Weekend Ramblings post. I noticed that I was the one doing most of the rambling and I got to thinking maybe no one wants to hear my random ramblings?! So I decided that I needed to mix things up a bit. How am I going to mix things up? Well... I am going to see if I can get you to do some rambling. Yes... I said YOU! ;)

Are you ready for the new and (hopefully) improved version of Weekend Ramblings a la KJ?!

Well then... let's get ready to raaaaammmmmbbbbbllllleeeee!!!!!

This week's rambling question is...

*If you had the superpower to jump into a book for a week long vacation, which one would you visit and why?*

First Line Friday's #9

Ok party people! It's that time again! First Line Friday's hosted by my amazing friend Kathy over at Bookworm Nation! Are you ready?! 

This week's First Line Friday is:

The Adventurous One by Jeanette Lewis

Taylor Medlin may have taken the billionaire bride pact when she was a teenager at Camp Wallakee, but she wasn’t thinking about that when she married the man of her dreams several years later. And she certainly wasn’t thinking about the pact when she signed the divorce papers after only eighteen months.

Once burned, twice shy, Taylor has sworn off romance until a family emergency pulls her home to Sioux Falls and into the arms of old friend, Lane Carter. But Lane has his own demons and he and Taylor must decide whether the past will bring them together, or tear them apart.

FIRST LINE

"Taylor Medlin pulled open the door to the hospital chapel and stepped inside. She paused while her eyes adjusted to dimness, such a change from the corridor beyond with its sterile fluorescent lighting."

I have to tell you that I am a definite fan of the Billionaire Bride Pact series. I check Amazon and stalk both Jeanette Lewis and Cami Checketts on a regular basis to see when the next book is going to be released. The moment it is, I purchase it... I don't even read the synopsis' any more. They are auto buys for me. Hehe. I seriously cannot get enough of this series! And the covers! Holy Gorgeousness Batman! I love them all! *dreamy sigh* 

Do you want to participate in First Line? Yes?! Then tell us what your First Line is! Are you going to do a blog post? Then don't forget to link your post back to Bookworm Nation! Post your link in the comments. Don't have a blog? No worries! Just leave a comment with the title, author name and first line.

Ready?! And GO!

Royal Games by Sariah Wilson

Synopsis:

Genesis Kelley didn’t just get her heart broken. The aspiring veterinarian had it crushed in front of millions of viewers on the dating reality show Marry Me. Now, just as she’s getting her life and dignity back together, her royal heartbreaker, Prince Rafael of Monterra, has landed in Frog Hollow, Iowa. And he’s renting out her aunt’s guest cottage.

Deceiving TV audiences for his brother’s sake cost Rafe the girl of his dreams. But he’s going to fix it, even if it means moving from his mountain-kingdom home to small-town Iowa. A prince doesn’t give up on his rightful princess—especially once he realizes Genesis is in deeper danger than she knows.

Between fixing her truck, whisking her off to Monterra for a whirlwind date, and charming the entire town, Rafe is thawing the ice around Genesis’s heart. Will it be enough to earn back her trust, protect her from her past—and sweep her into a real-life fairy tale?

My Review: 3 Stars

I'm going to start out by saying I have not read the first 2 books in this series. They just didn't call to me. But when I read the synopsis for Royal Games I added it to my TBR list. This book can definitely stand alone. I was not confused at all. 

Genesis has been back home in Iowa for 6 months after her appearance on the TV show Marry Me. Heartbroken and hurt she is not prepared to hear that her aunt has rented their guest house out to the one and only, Prince Rafael. Confused and angry she sets out to do whatever she can to ignore Rafe. Maybe if she ignores him long enough, he will go back to Monterra and leave her to her lonely, miserable life.

Rafe has loved Genesis from the very first moment he met her. He hates that he had to lie to her but he made a promise to his twin brother, Dante, and he never breaks his promises. He came to Frog Hollow to prove his love for her, to do whatever he can to gain her trust and forgiveness. But will it be too late? Will his deception to help his brother be the ultimate betrayal that ruins his happiness? 

The relationship between Genesis and Rafe is full of ups and downs. But never underestimate a man in love. He will pull out all the stops he can to win back the woman he loves. With the help of the whole town, Genesis never stands a chance. 

After reading all my friends' reviews for Royal Games I was extremely excited to read it. I really, really wanted to love it but alas, I am the minority for this one. I just ended up liking it. I had an extremely hard time connecting with Genesis. Yes, I know she had a tough childhood and yes, I know she has trust issues but she went way overboard. There were times I was scratching my head or rolling my eyes and asking, is she serious right now?! *le sigh* Another thing I didn't care for was the flashbacks. I am so NOT a flashback fan! I actually try and steer clear of them. 

Even though his one was just a like, I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books by Sariah Wilson. After all I absolutely LOVED The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back! SO good! 

And of course we can't forget the casting! I have been dying to use this particular picture of our hero and the moment I read that he had glasses I just KNEW this one was a winner! Hehe. What do you think? 

*I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Wild Heart Summer by Jenny B. Jones

Synopsis:

Twenty-one year old Avery Crawford has had to fight for everything in her life, and this summer is no exception. When her culinary internship in a chic restaurant falls through at the last minute, she gets an unexpected offer to work on a dude ranch in the quaint town of Sugar Creek. The problem? The ranch is owned by the grandfather she's been kept from all her life.

Avery is completely out of her element with the cattle drives, trail rides, and most of all—cute ranch manager Owen Jackson. Not in the market for romance, Avery still finds herself tempted by the cowboy’s Southern charm and sweet kisses. But as secrets unravel on the ranch, Avery will have to let go of the old wounds if she wants to hold onto the love Owen offers her. When the summer’s over, Avery must risk it all—or lose much more than her heart.

My Review: 4 Stars

Avery's life hasn't always been easy. She's struggled and had to work hard for everything she has. If only her grandfather hadn't disowned her mother when she became pregnant with her. Then maybe her life might have been just a little bit easier. But no, he's been absent her entire life. He didn't even show up to her mother's funeral. 

And now here she is. Headed to Shadow Ranch. The ranch her grandfather owns. Why did her internship have to fall through?! How is she going to avoid her grandfather now? And how is she going to deal with the heartache and betrayal of the past?  

Owen knows a thing or two about heartache and betrayal. He knows that you can't let it sit and fester. If you do, you will become bitter and hateful. It will consume you and ruin any and all relationships you have. If only he can get Avery to open her eyes and see that her grandfather isn't the monster she thinks he is. If only he can get the two of them talking. He has everyone's best interest in mind but Avery sees it as the ultimate betrayal. Will his love for her be enough? Or will she keep hold of the past and ruin their future?

One summer. Just one summer. That is it. She just has to get through the internship and then she can go back to her life in New York. Away from all the secrets, away from her grandfather, away from Owen. Life will go back to normal. But what if normal is no longer what she wants? What if maybe, just maybe, she is done being alone. Can she get past all the hurt and bitterness her mother filled her with? Can she find the love and happiness that has been missing from her life? 

I really enjoyed Wild Heart Summer. The setting was perfect, the emotion was real and there were definitely some swoony moments! *dreamy sigh* It's the perfect afternoon read!

This is my very first Jenny B. Jones book and I have already added others to my TBR list! Can't wait to read more by her! :) 

And no review of my would be complete without the casting! What do you think of these two?