A Cowboy to Keep by Karen Rock {Review and Giveaway}

A Cowboy to Keep by Karen Rock

Paperback, 384 pages

Expected publication: February 7th 2017 by Harlequin

Can't stop running from the past

Dani Crawford has a secret…and if bounty hunter Jackson Cade finds out, he could ruin everything. The scarred yet handsome cowboy has tracked a dangerous criminal to the dude ranch Dani manages, and to get rid of Jack she'll have to help him catch his man. But the closer they get to cornering their quarry the more Dani wants Jack to stay. Spending time with him is making her long for things she can never have thanks to a past mistake. And if the truth comes out she may be spending her future behind bars rather than safe in her cowboy's arms…

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My Review: 5 Stars

There's something very intriguing about a cowboy, especially one who is associated with danger, mystery, and suspense. And believe me, there's plenty of action--on the ranch, on the trail, and in the heart.

Jack is a bounty hunter and is posing as a wrangler on a dude ranch to try and catch his prey. With his jagged scar, handsome and rugged good looks, and swagger, he's a force to be reckoned with. Dani has a past that must stay hidden at all costs, yet she can't stop the growing attraction she feels towards Jack.

I love the way that Jack and Dani first meet--the sass, confidence, and stubbornness shines through and had me smiling and immediately crossing my fingers that they would get together. They are both super tough on the outside but marshmallows on the inside, and that combination sets up a fantastic romantic tension. There are events that occur as the story progresses that would have me in a melted puddle on the floor from all the stress, but these characters jump right in with their bravery and determination to figure things out. I love the way they learn to work together to solve the mysteries on the ranch and to resolve their pasts. The underlying chemistry is undeniable and so swoony--the harder they try to deny themselves the pleasures of love, the more the flames ignite. It's like trying to put out a grease fire with water.

This is a great story for those who enjoy contemporary Westerns with a good dose of mystery and suspense. I was engaged throughout the entire book and I was literally prying my eyelids open to finish the thing before falling asleep because I absolutely could not wait until morning. The story also gave me a nostalgic feeling--back to a time when men were tough but sweet gentlemen and made me long to live on a ranch in Colorado because of the vivid setting. This is the start to what's sure to be a fabulous new series!

Content: mild language (a handful of cuss words); mild violence (some danger, talk of death and drugs, etc); mild romance (kissing).

*I received an ARC, which in no way affected my thoughts and opinions, which are all my own.*

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Pre-order/Buy Links:

  

About the Author:

Karen Rock is an award-winning YA and adult contemporary author. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in English and worked as an ELA instructor before becoming a full-time author. Her Harlequin Heartwarming novel, A LEAGUE OF HER OWN, has won the 2015 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award and the 2015 Booksellers Best Award. Her Heartwarming novel, WISH ME TOMORROW, has won the 2014 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and the 2014 Golden Quill Contest. Her co-authored YA novel, CAMP BOYFRIEND, has been a finalist in the Booksellers Best and Golden Leaf awards. When she's not writing, Karen loves scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes, hiking and redesigning her gardens. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, daughter, and two lovable dogs who have yet to understand the concept of "fetch" though they know a lot about love. http://www.karenrock.com

GIVEAWAY:

Enter to win a copy of A Cowboy to Keep. Ends 2/6/17.

You can win a print copy if you live in the US or an ebook if you are INT.

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an ebook via Amazon.com or from the author. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Condemn Me Not: Accused of Witchcraft by Heather B. Moore

I have ancestors who were involved with the Salem Witch Trials

in some way and I'm so excited to read a book that brings that

trying time to life.

Pre-Order your copy of Condemn Me Not: Accused of Witchcraft

by Heather B. Moore today!

Valentine Countdown Blitz Day 1: Song and Shadow by Kaki Olsen

Kathryn Olsen (aka Kaki) has been to 17 countries on five continents. 

After an illustrious upbringing in Massachusetts, she studied English at Brigham Young University. As a result, she's been known to find theological flaws in zombie lore and Peruvian sacrifice metaphors in Superman movies. 

When not working a desk job or overanalyzing media, she enjoys writing about anything from possessed iPhones to dragon-smuggling androids and has been called upon to lecture on writing by various organizations. 

Her debut novel, Swan and Shadow, was published in March, 2016.

Connect with the Author here: 

 ~ Website ~ Twitter ~

"Aislin is cursed. A regular college student at night and a swan during the day, Aislin can only break the curse by finding her true love. But when her beloved discovers the truth, will his fear override their love? This modern adaptation of Swan Lake will help you discover what love really means."

~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ 

~ Amazon Canada ~ 
~ Amazon Australia ~

 Snippet:

Black

Playing it by ear usually just meant that we’d spontaneously find a new store to check out or eat at a favorite place, people-watching all the way. Natalie got two guys’ phone numbers before we even boarded the T. I knew she wouldn’t ever call them because she liked keeping tally more than actually dating.

“Your turn next,” Laurie announced after getting one herself.

“I don’t need phone numbers. I’ve got Nick.”

“And we’re very happy for you,” Natalie said impatiently, “but flirting muscles can atrophy.”

“Two-timing isn’t my style,” I retorted.

“This isn’t even that,” Natalie insisted. “No physical contact necessary.”

“Or encouraged,” Laurie added helpfully. “That’s the lazy girl’s way to a man’s heart.”

“Whoa.” I held up a hand. “Now you’re just fighting dirty.”

“You’re stalling,” she shot back. “Get moving.”

Nick would probably laugh at the guys I chose, but it would be fun to give it a shot and it would shut them both up.

“Nick won’t find out,” Natalie reconsidered. “It’s just a number, not a fling.”

“I’m not the type to have flings,” I pointed out.

“You’re not over the hill yet, and neither is green sweatshirt at six o’clock,” Laurie answered. “Go for it.”

Green sweatshirt guy had dark hair and a cute enough backside for me to look forward to a front view.

“Go, fight, win,” Natalie added before shoving me in his direction.

He wasn’t facing my way, so he didn’t see me stumble like a nervous freshman. By the time I was ready to approach, I’d found my footing and was now a casual passerby. He got bonus points for not having earphones plugged in and reading a book. Since I wasn’t Aislin, I couldn’t use Twain as an icebreaker. That narrowed my range of pickup lines, but they were all good ones.

He turned to check the route of an incoming train and looked bewilderingly like I’d just made his weekend. “Hey,” he said. “I thought you were booked today.”

I suddenly forgot every clever thing I had planned to say. “I’m sorry,” I blurted out. “Did I reject you before?”

“Not really,” he said with a laugh. “You do remember our last conversation, right?”

“Honestly, no,” I said. I might have seen him before, but nothing about him was familiar. “Your name starts with a D?”

“N,” he corrected, his smile going a little wooden. “Well, this is humiliating.”

That went for the both of us. He looked a little like one of our football players, but . . .  

And then my brain caught up.  “N?” I asked quickly. “As in Nathaniel?”

“I knew we’d get there eventually,” he said, looking slightly less crestfallen. “Does that mean you’re not going to dinner with me?”

“Nate from Michigan, the future physical therapist . . .” It was time to let an explanation fix things. “My sister has told me so much about you.”

Color flooded back into his face and I couldn’t tell if he was blushing or just relieved that he had made a lasting impression. “Your sister,” he echoed.

I dug into my purse and whipped out my real license. I held it up for comparison so he could see I wasn’t bluffing, and then handed it over for closer inspection.

“I’m Maeve,” I explained, “and you’re Aislin’s favorite person on campus.”

His red face was now definitely caused by a blush. “Aislin didn’t mention her sister was a dead ringer,” he admitted.

“I promise I’m not crazy. We just haven’t been introduced.”

He passed the license back, turning the handoff into a handshake. “I’m Nate,” he said. “Some crazy is good.”

I wondered if he’d feel the same if he ran into my sister before she’d washed leaves and twigs from her hair.

“I’m glad you know that,” I said, letting go of his perfectly nice hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too,” he commented. “So, what were you actually doing over here?”

“Trying to get your number,” I admitted with genuine embarrassment.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 

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$10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Celebration

It's my birthday

and I'm giving away a $10 Amazon gift card.

I love having a reason to celebrate!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon gift card. The winner will be verified before the prize is given. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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A Season in London (Timeless Regency Collection #6)

A Season in London (Timeless Regency Collection #6)
by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, and Rebecca Connolly

ebook, 300 pages

Published January 24th 2017 by Mirror Press

    

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance, comes A SEASON IN LONDON.

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, and Rebecca Connolly.

POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns
As a ‘poor relation,’ Emma Standrich has already pre-empted her dismal Season by applying for a governess post. Her aunt and cousin are kind enough to sponsor her, but in truth, Emma is just waiting for it to all be over. Emma’s grief over the death of her brother while in military service casts a pallor on everything else in her life. When Colonel Shelton, the man who was her brother’s superior, asks her to dance at her first ball, Emma is more surprised than anyone. But she has questions for him, and soon she’s caught up in an intrigue she wasn’t expecting—both of the heart and the mind.

EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore
As a second son, Edward Blackwood never anticipated becoming heir to his family estate, or the need to find a wife and secure that inheritance. But with the death of his older brother, Edward is thrust into a life he never wanted. When his mother encourages him to be kind to his long-time neighbor Emily Foster, a girl he’d hardly paid attention to while growing up, Edward realizes that returning home might not be such a set-back after all.

A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly
Daphne Hutchins is no simpering female who aims for a husband with a fortune. In fact, she’d be more than happy to live her life free of the heartache that men seem to bring. So when she sets out to play the fool in front of the ton during her first Season in order to send all eligible men running, she’s quite unprepared for James Woodbridge. Bored, but with a sense of family duty, James arrives for the Season, anticipating going through the expected motions befitting any gentleman. What he isn’t prepared for is Daphne Hutchins and the way she completely upends his heart.

Other books in the Timeless Regency Collections:
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A HOLIDAY IN BATH
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE 

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My Review: 5 Stars

I love Regency romance and it seems like a lot of them follow a similar formula. That can't be said for this set! I honestly can't choose a favorite because each story is so unique and brought a breath of fresh air to the genre.

In POOR RELATIONS, Emma is ready to put herself into a role as governess, but finds herself thrust into a mystery surrounding her brother's death instead. She's one determined woman and I really admire her pluck. I wasn't sure about Colonel Shelton at first, but he proves to be dashing military hero. I love the banter and subtle attractions that develop throughout the book and the two-for-one romance is spot on, as the book also follows Emma's cousin's love life.

EDWARD & EMILY stole my heart. My husband and I grew up together, but never associated until we were in our 20s. Edward always had his nose in a book and now that he finds himself set to inherit, he's encouraged to marry. When he sees his long-time neighbor all grown up, his heart is captured. The way this couple falls in love is utterly romantic and so similar to my own courtship. They each have a way with words and I was as eager to read their letters as I'm sure they were. I had a smile on my face throughout this one.

I couldn't stop laughing while reading A SPORTING SEASON! Daphne is determined to do everything she can to deter her parents from marrying her off. Forced to endure a season in London, she has a plan to end up alone. James is bored with society, but feels a duty. He's captivated by Daphne and her plans and can't help but fall for her. This is anything but a traditional story, but was the perfect endcap to the anthology, as it's heartwarming, sweet, and so humorous.

I loved each story and feel that this book was well worth the time I spent reading it. If you like Regency, add this one to your list!

Content: mild romance; the first book had some mild violence; I think there are one or two cuss words.

*I received a complimentary copy, which didn't affect my review in any way. All thoughts are my own.*

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Buy Link:

  

First Line Friday

Welcome to First Line Friday hosted by Bookworm Nation!

This fun meme is easy to do, simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there, they grab you and suck you right into the story--
make you want to keep reading. So, my selection for this week is:

A Cowboy to Keep 

by Karen Rock

"Let go of me, freak."

Dani Crawford has a secret…and if bounty hunter Jackson Cade finds out, he could ruin everything. The scarred yet handsome cowboy has tracked a dangerous criminal to the dude ranch Dani manages, and to get rid of Jack she'll have to help him catch his man. But the closer they get to cornering their quarry the more Dani wants Jack to stay. Spending time with him is making her long for things she can never have thanks to a past mistake. And if the truth comes out she may be spending her future behind bars rather than safe in her cowboy's arms…

  

Perfectly Imperfect by Annette Lyon

I'm so excited for the release of this historical romance novella

by Annette Lyon on February 7th.

Pre-order PERFECTLY IMPERFECT here:

bit.ly/perfectlynovella

From USA Today bestselling author Annette Lyon comes a captivating historical novella. In 1905 Shelley, Idaho, Della Stafford hates being a farm girl in a tiny town. She’ll do anything to live in a big city and experience real city life. Her only regret is that leaving town also means leaving Joseph behind, the young man who makes her heart flutter. But she's convinced that moving away is for the best; her dreams and Joseph's dreams are too dissimilar. So Della takes a job as a maid in Los Angeles, where she learns that what she thought would make her happy and what really will are totally different things.

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT originally appeared in the best-selling and award-winning Timeless Romance Anthology series's OLD WEST collection, under the title A SWEETEST TASTE.