High Stakes Bride: Men of Stone Mountain

Written by: Caroline Clemmons

Narrated by: Emily Beresford

Length: 7 hrs and 14 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:12-31-13

Publisher: Carolyn Smith

My Review

This book is a wonderful HOT MESS I totally loved it. I must tell you there are a few places you might not want to be eating or drinking for fear you will spit it out laughing so hard. What makes this a hoot three words is all I can say….Green, Yellow, and Salt. When you see what these three things are in this book you will laugh yourself silly. Beside the humor this book is a true heartwarming romance. One woman on the run from her wicked stepbrothers and a mad man leaving them behind she is hoping to outrun them she runs right into one man’s camp only to get busted when she tries to get away. One darling little boy who will steal your heart, wonderful aunts who adore their nephews, outstanding brothers who always have your back and a little dog who will break your heart. This is one very highly entertaining listen that will have you on the edge hanging on with your heart in your throat as they keep you laughing from one prank to the next. There is danger at every turn with humor, jealous, love, need, hope and lots of dreams. There is no doubt about it the author and narrator out did themselves.

Poor Mary will pull you in grabbing your heart as she barely stays one step ahead of her stepbrothers. She has nowhere to turn and really nowhere to run with her poor sense of direction. Her heart breaks every day that she lost her beloved stepfather who did his best to keep his wild sons in control. When he is too sick and knows he will die he helps play Mary’s escape. It would have been nice if he would have given her a few more details but hey she is free if only for a little while. When she runs into Zach who isn’t the nicest person but agrees to give her a helping hand. They are on the move trying to stay one step ahead of her brothers. She isn’t too sure of Zack well he has been kind and a gentleman what would it hurt to go to his home until she is better. If she can just keep her heart to herself and go along with his plans maybe everything will work out.

Zack is off to meet his new bride but he finds yet again he has been jilted. What the devil is wrong with these women or is it him. Not even a mail order bride will follow through on her promise. That is it he is done he doesn’t need a women or children or a life. How to tell his family yet again the women got away. His mind is made up when low and behold a women walks right into him. He mind goes a little crazy hummm maybe he can get out of this mess and help a lady through her troubles killing two birds with one stone and then see her on her way safe and sound.

As you know things never go as we plan and lord the trouble and messes these two get into. The laugh is on each of them as the green eyed monster comes to town. You will seriously be entertained as they pull pranks to help the other along with a few maybe to get even.

Ms. Beresford did a wonderful job on the narration. The one trouble I had in the last book was I felt Hope should have a Spanish accent in this book the narrator did that and it sounds outstanding as well as fits with the story. I found no background noise, no high or low sounds just a smooth clear even listen. I love her voice and all her character voices. He male voices were warm and strong her female voices were sweet and innocent with a little devil in both. She hit each emotion right on the money and never leaves you in question to how each character feels. She laughs, cries, chuckles, angry and sad when each character is. There was a time or two when she almost had me in tears. You could hear the teasing in her voice as well as the anger which at times makes you laugh even harder. Her little boy’s voice is outstanding as she gives him innocent tones with questions that only young children could get away with. Lord she had me laughing throughout this whole listen. It was a pleasure listening to this narrator and I can’t wait to listen to more from her. She has wonderful accents, sweet warm lady voices and rich male tones. I just loved them all.

I became a fan of this authors writing a few weeks ago when I listen to one of her books. I really love her writing style, her humor and her plots but she sure out did herself on this one. She put so many twists and turns bring you within inches of danger and then turns it around keeping you laughing at the messes and plans these characters make. This was truly a total enjoyment from beginning to end. There were times I was shocked and I would say no she didn’t or what was he thinking and than I was laughing out loud. I could not put this down every chance I got I was listening no matter how little time I had I had to know what happen next. The author writes about the past which will remind you of the hard times as well as how easy it was to lose it all, how much was taken from the true American the Indians. Their story will break your heart and almost leave you in tears. She reminds you this was one of the most dangerous times in history with evil men, outlaws who would shot first, along with true gentleman, wonderful cowboys and true ladies. This was a time when you could leave your door open welcoming in a stranger, have a big family where family had time for family, love and a passion of the land. She gives you a story that is believable that you can sink into and be taking away. The Stone family has become one of my favorite families. I can’t wait to see what else these characters and this author has in store for me. I highly recommend you pick up one of Ms. Clemmons book you won’t be disappointed.

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(If you buy the book you can buy the audio for 1.99)

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Overview

Mary Alice Price is on the run from dangerous men. She had known that when her stepfather died, she would have to hurriedly escape her stepbrothers. Hadn’t she heard them promise her to the meanest man in Texas as payment for high stakes gambling losses? One misfortune after another devils her until she links up with Zach Stone. He looks sturdy as his last name and invites her to his ranch where his two aunts will chaperone them. She figures life finally dealt her a winning hand.

Zach Stone has the sweetest ranch in all of Texas, at least he thinks he does. All he needs is a wife to build his family of boys and girls to carry on his ranch and name. He’s been jilted and vows he will never even speak to a woman again unless she's a relative. Then he comes across Alice Price and comes up with a crazy plan. He’s figured everything out, and is sure nothing can go wrong with his plan.

But life holds many surprises for Alice and Zach...

Dream Kisses

Dream Kisses: Romance on the Ranch Series Book 1

Written by: Verna Clay

Narrated by: Wendy Rich Stetson

Length: 4 hrs and 22 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:07-28-15

Publisher: Verna Clay

 My Review

I enjoyed this listen loved the plot, characters, the twists, and the messes they get into. Poor Sarah cannot get a break if it wasn’t for bad luck she wouldn’t have any luck at all. At least this is the way she see it. You could have knocked her over with a feather when Sage comes riding up to rescue her. The author gives you some humor along with some serious parts.  Sarah just wants life back to normal away from this overbearing man. Everyone is so kind on the ranch maybe Sage isn’t as bad as she thinks or maybe she is just out of her mind in pain. Sage isn’t too happy to have her on his ranch either. He was just going along with the ladies can’t she take a joke?

Ms. Stetson narration was wonderful she gave the characters voices and emotions that you could feel. At times I felt sorry for both of them. There is no background noise or any places where it is higher or lower than it should be. You have no trouble knowing what each character is feeling the narrator gives wonderful emotion to her voice. You are never left guessing and it was easy to know who was talking. Her female voices were as good as her males. Ms. Stetson has a very strong rich voice which is smoothing. She made this a wonderful listen as she takes you through each page making you feel like you are part of the read. It was a pleasure listening to her narration.

The author gives you a wonderful plot with great characters and supporting characters. Some you will love and other are just there to get your back up. She throws in a few twists to keep the book interesting. This is a short listen once it starts you are hook and before you know it the book is over leaving you wanting more.  I found this to be a believable story which at times is very humorous. I am really looking forward to listening to more audios from this narrator as well as more books from the author. I feel most will enjoy this walking away with a smile.

Buy Links

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Amazon
(Free and buy the audio for 1.99)

B&N

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Overview

Dream Kisses is the first book in the Romance on the Ranch Series, but it can be read as a stand alone.

Order of books: Dream Kisses, Honey Kisses, Baby Kisses, Candy Kisses, Christmas Kisses, Rock Star Kisses, Forever Kisses

Dream Kisses kicks off the series when Sarah Carter, a.k.a Mims Murphy, meets Sage Tanner at Imaginings Publishing while he's posing for the cover of her soon-to-be-released romance novel. After being bulldozed into a coffee break with him at Jet Setters Java Junction by her publisher, an embarrassing incident upsets Sarah and she walks out. Of course, fate has a wonderful way of intervening in matters of the heart. Deciding her book needs realism, she signs up for "dude" lessons at Lazy M Dude Ranch. Imagine her chagrin when she discovers the owner of the ranch is none other than Mr. Tanner himself! Yup.


Excerpt:

The hostess handed them menus. Menus to order a damn cup of coffee. Sage laid his on the table and didn't even glance at it.

Mims looked her menu over, front and back, and so did the others. The hostess returned and he listened to Chuck, because he couldn't bring himself to call him Chuckie, order a Muddy Mocha Miracle.

Sissy ordered a double shot Hammerhead Bottom Feeder and Sage was curious about what the author would order. Very politely, she said, "I'd like a Latin Lover Latte, with lite whipped cream, please." He had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing.

The hostess turned to him. "And for you, sir?" She batted her false eyelashes.

"Black coffee."

Brazos Bride

Brazos Bride: Men of Stone Mountain, Book 1

Written by: Caroline Clemmons

Narrated by: Valerie Gilbert

Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins

Series: Men of Stone Mountain, Book 1

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:11-01-13

Publisher: Caroline Clemmons

 My Review

This started off with a bang where Hope thinks she is being poisoned and puts it to the test. With everything showing she is right leaves her with the question who and why. She is at a loss thinking maybe it is her family since her parents death she now owns everything. Would her aunt and uncle kill her to get all her wealth? She doesn’t know who to trust or who to turn to it could be anyone in her home. She decides to take her life back in hand no way will another man control her or hurt her as her father has done to her and her mother. She must find a man she can control giving him what he wants most in the world at the same time she will take over her land and money. First he must agree to her conditions which will be laid out for him to sign. She knows he is the man to keep her save and hopefully find the killer. The only problem being just about everyone thinks he killed her father.

Micah is shock when a man comes to him asking him to met Hope who he has loved from afar for many years. One night he held her in his arms as they dance it was the best night of his life until her father put an end to it. He wasn’t a very nice man when he put him in his place. He never stopped loving Hope but when she ask him to marry her he thinks his dreams has come true until she said it would be a marriage in name only. He said NO WAY NO HOW until something happens to change his mind as he runs back to Hope making her his bride.

Can he keep his promise to keep his hands to his self or will he throw it all away to take the women he loves and make her his wife. Hope is very weak and is in need of a lot of rest but as Micah watches over her protecting her over and over from those that want her dead it is very hard to turn away from the only man you can trust.

I felt Valerie Gilbert did a good job for the most part on this audio. She has a great smooth voice but at times her voice sound robotic not all the time but at times. She goes give wonderful emotion and you can tell what each are feeling. There were a couple of places where there was no emotion that I could hear. As a review for an audio you have to listen closely to the narrator voice why still listening to the story. At times it can be trying when you have both a good story and a good narrator. I feel Ms. Gilbert does a good job just need a little work on a smoother read. Her characters voices were great you did not have any trouble telling who was talking. I guess it throw me I thought Hope would have more of a Spanish accent which she does not. I did enjoy her many character voices you could always tell who was talking and just what was on their mind. I found no background noise her tones for the most part where smooth and even. There were no high or low parts just a clear listen.

Ms. Clemmons gives you a highly entertaining read as she hooks you from page one. She gives you wonderful characters you can relate to. Before you are done you feel these people are your family. You are so invested in the story you do not want it to end. My heart broke for Hope not only has she lost just about everything but to have parents who really didn’t care for you or each other made her life tough. Thinking her aunt and uncle could be the ones trying to kill her just doesn’t put much faith in family at all. She has a few good friends but she still is holding her cards close to her chest. Micah you have to love this man as he protects Hope with his life. He finds it hard to keep his hands to his self. This is one true gentlemen any women would be proud to call her own. Who wouldn’t want a strong take charge kind of man who is as gentle as a lamb but can put the fear of god in most men?

I love this authors writing style as well as the twists she puts in her story some you won’t see coming. I was almost done with the listen before I worked out who the killer was and almost missed the clues. This is one author that is very talented and gives you wonderful details why holding back enough to let you work out the who and what. I love the supporting characters his brothers will steal your heart and his aunts are just amazing. They will keep you smiling and even laughing from time to time. The author gives you excitement, adventure, a few heart stopping moments and some wonderful passion. I just cannot wait to start book two in this series.

For anyone who loves a pretty clean western romance you should pick this book up. There is a little sex nothing that is over powering and some major swearing as cowboys were well known for. I myself didn’t find anything wrong with this as I found this story and plot to be outstanding. I am very sure Ms. Clemmons and I will have a very long author – reader relationship. She gives you a thrilling, suspenseful romance you can sink into leaving you with a smile and love in your heart.

Buy Links

Audible (I believe you can buy the book for free and get the audio for 1.99)

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

Overview

Hope Montoya knows someone is poisoning her, but who? She suspects her mother was also poisoned and knows her father was murdered. Who wants her family eliminated? She vows to fight! She realizes she won't last the eight months until she turns twenty-five and her uncle no longer controls her or her estate. Never will she be dominated by a man as she was by her father, as she has seen her mother and grandmothers dominated. If she marries, she gains control now, but only if she weds a man she can trust. Only one man meets her requirements. Can she trust him to protect her and capture the killer…but then to leave?
Micah Stone has been in love with Hope since the first time he saw her. But he was accused of her father's murder and surely would have hung if not for his two brothers' aid. Most in the community still believe him guilty. But the drought has him too worried about water for his dying cattle to care about his neighbors' opinions. When Hope proposes a paper marriage in exchange for land on the Brazos River and much needed cash, her offer rubs his pride raw. His name may be Stone, but he's not made of it. He can't refuse her for long, and so their adventure begins.

A Passion to Pursue

A Passion to Pursue (Prophecy of Love, #2)

by Kelsey Browning

 My Review

This book has heart and soul with a few twist you will not see coming. I love the characters they are sassy, sweet and ohhhhhhh so sexy. Greer has spent years trying to from her place in the world it sure hasn’t been where she thought it would making boots for her family business. Alex has been trying to stay out of trouble and help his family stay safe. Alex is a lost soul to just trying to find a place to fit. It is time for Greer to get her customer cowboy boots which will show her, her soul mate. Alex isn’t buying into this BS but he wants this contract which will help him in so many ways to help his family. He plays along with the crazy tale he won’t do anything to stop him from getting the chance of a lifetime and his family what they need.

Both of these characters are trying to find the place they fit but from the outside looking in they are the perfect fit for each other. When they first meet it is on the phone where passion pulls them in, nothing change when they met face to face. With Alex past he just doesn’t think he is good enough for anyone. He is sexy, strong but looks more like a robber. People are afraid of him. Not Greer she is pulled in by his tats and his body language. It does seem most of the women in town thinks he is hot and would love to see what he has cooking. He knows better never will he stay in one place he needs the contract and the money. He really cannot screw this up.

When these two get around each other the sparks fly as well as their tempters. One can’t wait to get her hands all over that sexy body the other trying his best to keep his hand to his self. Greer is a sweetheart who just wants to be happy doing what she is made to do. She needs to find a career that will do that for her. She might be looking in all the wrong places. She also wants to find the man of her dreams again she might be looking in all the wrong places. But dang it Alex just does it for her and he is what she wants. Both of these characters are strong willed, never giving an inch as the pull and push to have their way. What these two will find is if one believes and follows their heart they can have their hearts desire. One should never give up or try to protect by walking away taking the control out of one’s hands. You are a team as a team you need to stand.

I loved the pull and push the author gives as well as holding back some of the history to keep you guessing. When you do find out it will break your heart almost leaving you in tears as he puts forth his plans to keep his family safe. You understand why he does what he does but it still doesn’t make it any better. Will Greer be left standing alone or will Alex see just what he is missing out on.

This is a well told story full of passion, smiles, and laughs along with heartbreak. The author put a lot of thought into this plot leaving you guessing as to which way she will take you. With the twists she gives you will never see them coming leaving you surprised over and over again. I do have to say the book started out very slow for me and I had a little of a hard time getting into it. It did not take long for it to take off getting me hook as I turn the pages. The supporting characters out outstanding as they keep you smiling. Alex and Greer’s family are wonderful, heartbreaking, loving and their story is sad. Will these two people have to give up happiness just to keep those they love safe?

Ms. Browning does a wonderful job of writing to keep you guessing just giving you enough information to make you hold on. The story is highly entertaining with powerful characters you just want to hold who are so easy to fall in love with. Before you are down you will wish you had an Alex of your own. This is a small town I would love to be a part of with members who look out for each other giving love when you least expect it. I hope you will pick this up and give it a read you are so going to love their story.

Buy Links

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Overview

What if a pair of cowboy boots could foretell true love?

For years, Texas girl Greer Maddox waited to inherit her legacy as the next prophecy bootmaker. But that day never came. Now, instead of living out her rightful destiny, she's lost, restlessly jumping from one art project to the next.

Until the day leather tooler Alejandro Villanueva strolls into town looking like ten kinds of sexy trouble.

After surviving his dark and dangerous past, all Alex wants is a quiet future. Alone, where his former life and mistakes can't hurt anyone else. Even casually screwing around with a girl next door like Greer--whose dulce de leche voice and curvy body make him sweat--is a bad idea. But when she gets involved in his attempts to win the Prophecy Boot Company's tooling contract, waving adios is the last thing on his mind.

Their attraction flares hot and undeniable. He wants her, and even knowing he shouldn't have her can't stop him from indulging in the temptation she offers. But when his past comes calling, he is forced to choose between hiding from his sins, or saving the woman he loves.

Warning: The Prophecy of Love series features sizzling sex, hot Texas heroes, hard-headed heroines, and custom cowboy boots.