Author: Tracy

Avid reader (and reviewer) of historical romance.

The Cowboy’s Honor by Amy Sandas

On By TracyIn American Historical, Historical Western Romance, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Cowboy's Honor (Runaway Brides, #2)The Cowboy’s Honor by Amy Sandas

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Runaway Brides, #2

Release Date: February 26, 2019

When Courtney Adams flees her wedding and heads west to find her friend Alexandra, the last thing she ever expected was to find herself mistaken for a mail order bride and married to a very grumpy and extremely handsome cattle rancher!

Dean Lawton has had enough of his younger brother Randall’s interference in his life, he tells Randall point blank to butt out, but when he arrives in town to pick up supplies and stops by the post office to collect a “very important” package for Randall – he assumes the beautiful woman in the wedding dress at the post office is Randall’s “package” and feels honor bound to marry her – but doesn’t bother to inform her of that fact.

Courtney is grateful to the cowboy for helping her, but is confused why he insists on taking her to see the local judge and has her witness a wedding. It isn’t until they get back to his ranch that she learns the truth – she didn’t witness a wedding – she got married! Once Dean realizes his horrific error, he promises to fix it – but the judge isn’t easily swayed – he insists that they live together for a month before he will even consider dissolving their marriage.

Dean is extremely unhappy about this – Courtney makes him feel things that he has no time or desire to feel. He has his hands full with his ranch and trying to find out who is slaughtering his cattle. Besides, Courtney is a city girl, she will never be happy as a rancher’s wife – she is spoiled and pampered and totally unprepared for life on the range.

He is 100% right, Courtney is spoiled and pampered – but he completely underestimates his temporary wife, because besides being spoiled and pampered, she is smart, determined and possesses an optimistic outlook on life. So no, ending up married to a grumpy cowboy wasn’t her plan, but she will make the best of it. Instead of pouting and expecting to be waited on, she learns to cook and care for the house and slowly worms her way into her cowboy’s heart. Dean acknowledges that Courtney is not what he believed and a bit of hope blossoms as they grow closer and eventually become intimate.

But a partially overheard conversation, a deranged lunatic and past heartache may prevent them from ever having their HEA.

This was a wonderful story, well written and filled with great characters, steamy love scenes, a bit of laughter, a little drama and a dash of angst to keep it interesting. While I did want to smack Dean a time or ten, he completely redeems himself at the end. My only complaint is the book ends a little abruptly and really could have benefited from an epilogue, but even without that, it is a fantastic read and I am happy to recommend it!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publister.*

Seven Nights with the Scot by Gerri Russell

On By TracyIn Elizabethan Era (1558-1603), Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's Reviews, Tudor Era (1485-1603)Leave a comment

Seven Nights with a Scot (All The King’s Men, #1)Seven Nights with a Scot by Gerri Russell
Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: All the King’s Men, #1

Release Date: February 21, 2019

Vivian Sinclair is the ward of King James of Scotland and to save her life, he marries her off to his old friend Dugald Campbell. Vivian is a gifted healer and the king believes she will be able to help Dugald. And Dugald will help her, keeping her safe from the witch trials that have reached a frenzied peak. The king doesn’t believe Vivian is a witch, but he knows that her gift of healing and her visons of the future would have her condemned. He knows she is not happy with his decision, but it is the only way he can help her.

Six months later, Vivian’s husband is dying and has called for his son Rupert. Rupert is King James’ “witch hunter” Dugald tells him that Vivian is not a witch – but innocently betrays her by telling Rupert of her visions. Rupert declares her a witch and promises to destroy her once his father passes. Frantic, Vivian tries to escape, she stays with Dugald until he passes and then sneaks out of the castle. She makes her way to the village and has a vision – a child will be killed by a horse – she knows she should keep going, but cannot leave a child to die. She saves the child and is injured in the process.

Quinn Douglas is one of the King’s Elite Guard – he has been sent by his brother to collect Vivian. The king betrothed her to Reid Douglas when he learned Dugald was dying. As Reid is on a mission for the king, he sends his twin and fellow guard to bring Vivian to his castle. Quinn tends to her injuries and tells her of the king’s decree – she is not happy, but knows with Rupert following her, she is safer with Quinn than on her own.

They set off and it soon becomes clear that Vivian is being hunted and they will not be safe until they reach Reid’s home. As they run for their lives, Quinn falls in love with her – but knows that they can never be, she is promised to his brother. Vivian feels the same and when she has several visions, she tries to distance herself from Quinn. But when she has a vision that includes Quinn and the rest of their party being trapped by Rupert, she takes a leap of faith and trusts him with her biggest, most dangerous secret – her ability to see the future.

But even knowing the future might not be enough to save her when Rupert catches them.

This was a very exciting read, with lots of action, suspense, sexual tension and a very evil villain. I enjoyed the fast paced flow of the book, especially the end, when there are several nail-biting moments, unexpected twists and an ending that must be read to be believed. I am not sure if the copy I read is the final version, but there were some minor title errors and a fair bit of modern verbiage – nothing that really detracted from the story, but definitely were not period correct. Even with those small details, I would happily recommend this book and look forward to reading about the rest of the “King’s Men”

*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*