Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Cowboys, Cops and Jaguars


When it comes to steamy romance and memorable characters, there are three Sourcebooks authors that know how to do it up right.

While romance may be on the top of the list when it comes to what to watch for, these three authors also offer up mystery, suspense, loyalty, humor and oh, so much more. The three books I want to tell you about offer something for everyone. Up first is cowboys and a reality TV show, followed by a small town sheriff and the preacher’s daughter, and ending with a hunt for exotic animal traders and jaguars shifters.

COWBOY SEEKS BRIDE by Carolyn Brown

Cowboy Seeks Bride CoverIf I can help it, I never start reading a Carolyn Brown book after 9 p.m. Because I know if I do, it will be in the wee hours of the morning before I can make myself put the book down.

The author creates such realistic characters, entertaining plots and hilarious moments, it’s hard to find a place to stop reading. The dialogue is conversational pulling the reader into the action and making them feel right at home.

COWBOY SEEKS BRIDE is a fine example of Brown’s work mixing her memorable characters with historical facts for a steamy romance and laugh-out-loud moments. She paints a breath-taking landscape with her vivid descriptions.

In this last installment in the Spikes and Spurs series, rancher Dewar O’Donnell is looking forward to reenacting the historic Chisholm Trail cattle drive with family and friends. This cattle drive is a trail run for a possible reality TV show. What Dewar didn’t count on was the reality show’s field man being a woman.

H.B. ‘Haley’ McKay is determined to make this drive into a reality show. The high-powered businesswoman hadn’t realized her research would have her riding a horse for a month with a bunch of modern-day cowboys.

As the unlikely group heads out on the trail drive, little do they know they’ll be facing more than storms, stampedes, snakes and coyotes. 

The characters are spunky and likable. The story moves at a steady pace holding your attention from one encounter to the next tender moment and back to danger. The blend of humor and determination makes for an intriguing read. Brown gives her secondary characters flare and depth adding another layer to the story.

COWBOY SEEKS BRIDE features a feisty heroine and a sexy hero for a rip-roaring good time.

Author Carolyn Brown’s website is http://www.CarolynLBrown.com 

Cowboy Seeks Bride by Carolyn Brown, Spikes and Spurs Series, Sourcebooks, @2013, ISBN: 978-1402270215, Paperback, 384 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
SURRENDER TO SULTRY by Macy Beckett

Sultry coverAuthor Macy Beckett has captured the small town atmosphere in SURRENDER TO SULTRY. She brings the best elements - friends, family, love and loyalty - together for a tender love story with bits of suspense woven in.

In a town where everyone knows everybody and what they’re doing, Leah McMahon is determined to stay under Sheriff Colton Bea’s radar. She’s returned to Sultry after a 10 year absence to care for her father following his heart surgery. As soon as he’s on the mend, Leah plans to return to her life up north and far away from Colton.

When he stops a car for a traffic violation, Colton never imaged it would be his long-lost love Leah. Struck speechless, Colton can’t tell Leah how sorry he is for the way he treated her all those years ago. Having given up his hellion ways, Colton is determined to get Leah’s forgiveness and try to make things right this time.

After a decade of womanizing, can the reformed sheriff finally do right by the preacher’s daughter? But Leah has her own secrets that could jeopardize any chance of happiness. Would he ever forgive her if he knew?

Beckett’s characters, realistic with flaws and problems, are well developed. Her secondary characters are rich in flavor adding to the depth of the story. Her detailed descriptions of the small town and its residents places the reader among the characters.

SURRENDER TO SULTRY is a tantalizing read with a hometown feel. The story flows smoothly and at a steady pace holding your attention as the sparks fly between Leah and Colton.

Author Macy Beckett’s website is www.macybeckett.com
 
Surrender to Sultry by Macy Beckett, A Sultry Springs Novel, Sourcebooks, @2013, ISBN: 978-1402270420, Paperback, 320 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
JAGUAR FEVER by Terry Spear

Jaguar Fever CoverAuthor Terry Spear creates a magical realm where paranormal existence becomes realistic. Her ability to blend fantasy and reality into a spine tingling story will having you believing.

Wade and David Patterson, brothers and jaguar shifters, are members of an elite Special Forces group that keeps watch over their kind while working to keep their secret from humans. Their current mission deals with finding a group who has been illegally importing wild jaguars into the states for a hunting ranch.

Maya Anderson, a jaguar shifter, is looking to connect with relatives she didn’t know she had. Her goal is to enjoy herself a bit out from under her brother’s constant control.

When Wade and Maya reconnect, the attraction that eluded them months before in the jungle surfaces. As Maya, her brother and his wife get caught in the crossfire between the Special Forces unit and the hunters, things become explosive. The mission travels to Belize and back again for a steamy adventure.

Spear has crafted realistic characters not overshadowed by their paranormal abilities. They’re well developed with flaws and spirit. The secondary characters add flavor to this romance heighten by suspense.

An eye for authentic detail, Spear’s extensive research comes through in the distinct descriptions of both locations and jaguar actions. Detailing the sights and sounds of the jungle places the reader in the midst of the action.

JAGUAR FEVER is an action-driven story with twists along the way for surprises. The suspense is captivating and the romance is steamy. The interaction among the characters is sprinkled with humor for a well-blended story that will put jaguars in a totally different light.

Author Terry Spear’s website is http://www.TerrySpear.com
 
Jaguar Fever by Terry Spear, Heart of the Jaguar Series, Sourcebooks, @2013, ISBN: 978-1402266959, Paperback, 320 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Thanks everyone for stopping by today. I hope in this variety of genres I’ve told you about at least one book that has captured your attention. What would be the punch line if a cowboy, a cop and a jaguar walked into a bar? Just something to think about. Smile

3 comments:

  1. Mason - If a Cowboy and a Jaguar walked into a bar, it would probably be a sports bar ;-). Sorry, I couldn't resist....

    About the books...thanks for sharing. I think the thing about a romance plot, or a romance sub-plot in another kind of novel, is that it appeals to something universal. I think most of us want to be loved.

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  3. I want to read this! I just discovered you thru Sara Humphreys... and have read A Howl for a Highlander... it was awesome! I've already ordered two more of your Highlander wolves books... Then... I'll have to start your Jaguars :-)

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