Sunday, April 30, 2017

The Vicar's Daughter by Josi S Kilpack






The Vicar's Daughter by Josi S. KilpackThe Vicar's Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review.
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description:  Cassie, the youngest of six daughters in the Wilton family, is bold, bright, and ready to enter society. There's only one problem: her older sister Lenora, whose extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora is now entering her third season, and since their father has decreed that only one Wilton girl can be out at a time, Cassie has no choice except to wait her turn.

Evan Glenside, a soft-spoken, East London clerk, has just been named his great-uncle's heir and, though he is eager to learn all that will be required of him, he struggles to feel accepted in a new town and in his new position.

A chance meeting between Evan and Lenora promises to change everything, but when Lenora proves too shy to pursue the relationship, Cassie begins to write Mr. Glenside letters in the name of her sister. Her good intentions lead to disaster when Cassie realizes she is falling in love with Evan. But then Evan begins to court Lenora, thinking she is the author of the letters.

As secrets are revealed, the hearts of Cassie, Evan, and Lenora are tested. Will the final letter sent by the vicar's daughter be able to reunite the sisters as well as unite Evan with his true love?

My thoughts; There are times when you finish a book and sigh in contentment. This is one of those books for me. The story is wonderful and the characters are people that I would like to know.

The book is about a vicar's daughter (Cassie) who is desperate for her sister to marry, so she can be courted and find a husband of her own. She takes drastic measures that backfire when she falls in love the the man she intends for her sister.

That is the basic premise of the story, but it has more. Cassie is a lovely character, her selfishness has repercussions she did not think about. She spends a lot of time reflecting on her character flaws and trying to make restitution. I loved how she saw the needs of the people around her and did her best to help them. She had fantastic growth that really made the story inspirational.

As usual, Josi Kilpack has written another wonderful book. I know that when she writes, I read.

The book has some kissing and Christian themes.



Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository * Deseret Book

Josi S. Kilpack
About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.


I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.

Visit her WEBPAGE.
Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 5:30 AM 2 comments

Friday, April 28, 2017

An Uncommon Protector by Shelley-Shepard Gray

An Uncommon Protector (Lone Star Hero, #2)An Uncommon Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley/For Review
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction/Romance

Book Description:  Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.


The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.


When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.


Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman—sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong—he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he’s free again.


But when cattle start dying and the squatters damage a barn, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He’s a trustworthy hero who’s survived a terrible past. He needs more than just his freedom, he needs her love and care too. 

My thoughts: This book is a second in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first, and completely enjoyed and understood this one. Now that I know some of the backstory and characters, I really want to read the first book.

This book takes place in Texas after the Civil War. Many women are widows and fatherless, Laurel falls into this category. She is trying to keep her family ranch up and running while finding a lot of opposition. Her step-siblings are leeches and want her to sell so they can have fund, there are other ranchers trying to get hold of the property. She is a strong and determined young lady who sees an opportunity to hire and ex-convict to help her run off the unsavory characters around her.

Fortunately for her, the ex-convict is a man of integrity. He hasn't lived a perfect life and has emotional as well as physical scars. From the moment they meet, there is a spark that neither is willing to act upon. Both care more about the other than they do themselves.

This book has some violence, and kissing.



Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barned & Noble * Book Depository



Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 6:45 AM 1 comments

Thursday, April 27, 2017

His Substitute Wife by Dorothy Clark

His Substitute Wife (Stand-In Brides #1)His Substitute Wife by Dorothy Clark
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley/For Review
Genre: Historical Fiction

Book Description:  A Convenient Marriage 

Blake Latherop needs a wife in order to keep his business, and his betrothed has apparently eloped with another man. So when his fiancée's sister, Audrey Prescott, steps off the train in Whisper Creek offering to be his bride, he's in no position to refuse. But it's hardly the marriage he had in mind.

Audrey knows she shouldn't have answered Blake's letters in her sister's name…but she couldn't bring herself to tell him of his fiancée's betrayal. Now the only way to fix things is through a temporary marriage. But as she comes to love her new life in the West, Audrey dreads the day Blake finds another solution to their situation. Because what started as a marriage of convenience has become so much more for her… 


My thoughts: This is a cute book about a woman willing to sacrifice everything to fix her sisters mistakes. Audrey is a woman of depth and character. She is overshadowed by her flirtatious sister. Most men are blindsided by Linda, and Audrey is overlooked.

I liked the story. I wish Blake didn't spend so much time wallowing over Linda and that Audrey wasn't so understanding. There were a lot of missed opportunities to really make the best of the situation. The best part is when the truth was forced upon Blake and he realized what her really had in Audrey.

This is a clean book with Christian elements.



Online purchase links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 12:16 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Crossing in Time by DL Orton (Blog Tour + Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.


Dead Time, book three in the series, just released on April 15th!
Don't miss the series ebook SALE and begin the series with book one...

Crossing in Time
(Between Two Evils #1)
D.L. Orton
Adult Sci-Fi Romance, Dystopian
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 374 pages
April 7th 2015 by Rocky Mountain Press

A Publishers Weekly Starred Review
“Best Sci-Fi Love Story of the Year”
Remember How It Feels to Fall in Love?

Race against the clock through a dystopian nightmare. Climb naked into an untested time machine (carrying only a seashell and a promise). Wake up twenty years younger on a tropical beach, buck naked and mortally wounded, with your heart in your throat.

This is a journey of love, loss, and redemption that will make your pulse gallop and your palms sweat, have you laughing out loud through your tears, and leave you flush with the sublime pleasure of falling in love.


My thoughts:  This is a book that I normally would not read.  It starts off rough with innuendo and language.  If it wasn't such a clever book that is well written I would have abandoned it.  As far as the innuendo, there are mild  active sexual descriptions, more talk about sex and anatomy.  It also uses the "f" bomb.

In this book you would imagine that you and your significant other, who have just been reunited are key to saving the world.  Diego and Iz had a rocky past and finding each other years later are forced to separate and work to keep doomsday from happening.

The book involves time travel, an orb with a message, seashells, love, and secret government projects.  It is a fascinating book.  This book is recommended for mature readers only.




Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository│Powell's


Other Books in the Series

Lost Time
(Between Two Evils #2)
D.L. Orton
Adult Sci-Fi Romance, Dystopian
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 222 pages
July 1st 2016 by Rocky Mountain Press

If someone took everything you live for, how far would you go to get it back?

When a faulty time machine deposits Diego at the top of a pine tree, he knows he's in the wrong place--but has no idea he's in the wrong time. Naked and shivering in the chilly mountain air, he attempts to climb down, but slips, whacks his head, and falls into oblivion.

He wakes up inside a darkened room, crippled and disheartened, and must come to grips with the realization that he is marooned in a bleak alternate future. In this universe, what remains of the human race is trapped inside a handful of aging biodomes. With his mission failed, his world destroyed, and the one woman he loves, dead, he can find no reason to go on living.

But Lani, the emotionally scarred doctor who finds him, refuses to let him die, and as Diego heals, their relationship becomes... complicated. He struggles to let go of the past but is unable to get Isabel out of his head--or his heart. Just when it seems he may be able to find some measure of happiness in a world teetering on the edge of extinction...

Another note arrives from the future: Isabel is alive--but not for long...

Dead Time
(Between Two Evils  #3)
D.L. Orton
Adult Sci-Fi Romance, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 414 pages
April 15th 2017 by Rocky Mountain Press

If someone took everything you live for, how far would you go to get it back?

From award-winning author D. L. ORTON comes book three in the Between Two Evils series...

Shannon fights to stay alive inside a rogue biodome and discovers something totally unexpected... Peter. Lani is forced into the role of the reluctant heroine but rediscovers her street-kid mojo and sets out to find everything she's lost. Diego receives another dirty sock (and a note) from the poorly aimed fireball express: "The window between universes is closing." If Diego has any hope of getting back to Iz, he must get to the Magic Kingdom and power up the time machine before it's too late.

What could possibly go wrong?

About the Author

D.L. ORTON is the BEST-SELLING author of the BETWEEN TWO EVILS book series. She lives in the Rocky Mountains where she and her husband are raising three boys, a golden retriever, two Siberian cats, and an extremely long-lived Triops. In her spare time, she's building a time machine so that someone can go back and do the laundry.

Ms. Orton is a graduate of Stanford University's Writers Workshop and a past editor of "Top of the Western Staircase," a literary publication of the University of Colorado at Boulder. The author has a number of short stories published in traditional and online literary magazines, including Literotica, Melusine, Cosmoetica, The Ranfurly Review, and Catalyst Press.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
- 1 winner will receive the Between Two Evils series, which includes Crossing in Time, Lost Time, and Dead Time (print if US, Kindle copies if international) 
- Ends March 28th
Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 5:30 AM 5 comments

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Chance for Home by Traci Hunter Abramson (Blog Tour + Giveaway)


Chance for Home by Traci Hunter AbramsonChance for Home by Traci Hunter Abramson
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received copy from publisher to review,
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  Beautiful pre-med student Kari Evans believes she’s found the man of her dreams—right up until the moment she discovers he’s a two-timing cheat. Desperately gathering the pieces of her broken heart, she realizes that what she needs most is space to reconsider her future. A summer in Washington, DC, with her professional baseball player brother, Ben, sounds like just the change of scene she’s after. But if complicated romantic entanglements are what she’s trying to escape, she’s out of luck. Ryan Strobel has had it with spotlight-seeking women. As third baseman for the Washington Nationals, he’s dealt with more than his fair share of opportunistic admirers—but his ex-fiancée, Brandi, may be the worst. When the woman refuses to take no for an answer, Ryan’s teammate Ben offers a crazy solution: Ben’s sister will pose as Ryan’s new girlfriend. Though an unlikely pair, Ryan and Kari find themselves getting surprisingly comfortable with the charade. Soon, the line between fact and fiction is blurred, and the very real feelings that develop between the couple are undeniable. But when faced with the interference of conniving exes, family objections, and the reality of their very different lives, are Ryan and Kari destined to strike out in the game of love? 




My thoughts: This was a great book to get my mind off of being sick. It would be a great book at anytime, but I appreciated the escape it brought to me.

Kari and Ben are very likable and a cute couple to read about. Both have faced bad relationship break ups in the recent past and their relationship begins as a friendship that turns into something more. I really hated it when the exes showed up and threw them a "curve ball". But I loved how they were able to begin to trust one another and come to a common understanding.

At the moment I feel like I am living at the baseball field. My son plays league ball and I spend hours waiting for them to warm up and then play double headers. For me, that added an extra layer of appreciation for the book. I enjoy baseball season and reading about the sport and the fun of the game was a bonus. I loved how Kari would tell Ryan to "have fun" while he was playing.

This is a second book with some of the characters. It can be read as a stand alone, but for me it was fun to catch up with characters that I enjoy.

This is a clean book with some kissing and stalking.


Online purchase links:



About the Author: (Taken from her webpage)  Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. And though Traci found her passion in caring for her family, she couldn’t manage to forget the action of the CIA, so she turned to writing about it. She has gone on to write a number of bestselling suspense novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists. In 2013, she won her first Whitney award in the mystery/suspense category for Code Word. Her novel, Deep Cover, brought her a second Whitney award in 2014. She enjoys reading, writing, sports, travel and coaching high school swimming.

Visit her WEBPAGE.

Enter the Tour Giveaway
(Notification of winner and prize will be coming from the publisher)

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Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 9:31 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Defiance by A.L. Sowards (Blog Tour + giveaway)




Defiance by A. L. Sowards
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: WWII Historical Fiction
Source: Received from Publisher to review.

Book Description:  Eight years after immigrating to the United States, German-born Lukas Ley embodies the American dream: successful athlete, gorgeous girlfriend, loving family. But beneath the surface, eighteen-year-old Lukas is driven by ambition, resolved to avenge the murder of his father at the hands of the Nazi regime. Unfortunately, a failed physical throws his plans for flight school off course. Unlike his war-hero older brother, Lukas’s purpose is unclear. He can’t fly, and in the eyes of the military, he’s good for only one thing—the front lines. 

From the foxholes of war-ravaged Luxembourg to the devastation of an enormous German offensive, Lukas’s journey is fraught with peril. But when he’s taken as a prisoner of war, he realizes life is about to get much worse. In the enemy camp, Lukas is viewed as a German fighting for the wrong side. Ripped from the innocence of an idealistic youth, he becomes a man beaten by the horrors of war. Now his only hope of survival is to hold tightly to his faith in God and his love of family and home. But even if he manages to make it out alive, can he ever be whole again?

Sometimes survival is the ultimate act of Defiance.
My thoughts:  I just want to start the review by expressing how amazing the books written by A. L, Sowards are.  She takes a look at parts of the war that are not the mainstream war novels.  She writes books that look at the nitty gritty part of the war.  In this case, she takes a German American and places him in the war fighting for the Americans.  He is neither fully accepted by the country where he lives and he is not treated well by the Germans.

When the book begins Lukas has just graduated from High School.  He lives in a small community and has feelings for the girl next door.  When his brother returns from the war, he begins to get a small view of the negative side effects of war.  His brother is missing a leg and has many new scars.  But Lukas thinks that he is going to fight and destroy Hitler, the man responsible for his father's death.  All too soon he learns what war is really about.
  
Lukas has a rough road in this book.  You can visualize the war through his eyes.  Sowards is excellent at not sugar coating war, but at the same time not painting graphic scenes.  I never miss an opportunity to read her books.  She does her research and she brings her books to life.

The book contains kissing and war violence.  Lukas is also religious.  His beliefs are mentioned in the book.



Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book


A.L. SowardsAbout the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  About My Writing: 
A little mystery, a little history, a little romance, and a lot of action, adventure, and suspense. Primarily, I write to entertain. I also hope my books will teach readers something new about history or about life. My books are usually set during wartime, so there is some violence, but I keep the language and romance family-friendly. My goal is for my writing to be thrilling, clean, and uplifting.

Visit her at:  


Enter the Tour Giveaway
(Prize and notification will be coming from Covenant Communications.)
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Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 5:00 AM 0 comments

Tour Grand Finale for the Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Review & Excerpt Book Tour Grand Finale for
The Matchmaking Game
By Donna Hatch

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the reviews
or reading the first chapter of the book, go back and do so now...

Launch - Excerpt, Chapter One, Part 1

England 1814

 Rowena Emerson studied her longtime friend, Evan Barnes, and tried to judge by his expression if he’d be game for a new scheme. It was hard to tell; he had come home from the war a mysterious stranger, with only glimpses of his former playful self who had always been ready for a new lark.


"I loved reading this book. I have read several Donna Hatch’s books and loved everyone of them. . . . I would definitely recommend this book to other readers, especially those who enjoy a good clean romantic novel."

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt, Chapter One, Part 2

“Semantics. Come.” She stood. “Let’s go out for some air, and I’ll tell you all about it. There is a terrace outside,” she added in case he didn’t remember the layout of their host’s home.

He rose, his posture straight as a tin soldier. The lamplight shone on his dark hair, regulation-short rather than stylish, but it suited his new military bearing. “I have a feeling I’m going to regret even listening to your idea.”

Bookworm Nation - Review

"... I was quickly sucked into the story and didn't want to leave. I loved the slow buildup of the romance between these two, and how everything works out. Like I said, its a charming regency that will warm your heart. Very enjoyable."


Q: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

A: Wow, that’s a tough question. The first chapter was effortless; it practically wrote itself. I loved the chapter where they really see each other as attractive adults, and not as the childhood friends they used to be. The big kissing scene was also super fun, and, ahem, very much put me in the mood when my husband came home.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt, Chapter One, Part 3

She laughed at his indignation, then put a hand over her mouth to muffle the sound. “I’m only quizzing you, Evan. I haven’t done that sort of thing for at least a month.”

 She chuckled at his raised brows. His departure for the war had put an end to most of her pranks. Losing her friend and cohort, not to mention her heartbreak at his absence, had taken the joy out of many of her favorite pastimes. She’d settled for more mundane activities in his absence. Now that he was back, she could finally breathe easy.

Hardcover Feedback - Review

"The ending was great and I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. I think anyone who enjoys reading stories set in this period will love The Matchmaking Game too."

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - Excerpt, Chapter One, Part 4

Rowena pointed her chin at the couple. “Look at her. Look at my papa. I think they have always been fond of one another—they are often near each other. It probably wouldn’t take much on our part to help them realize they would make a perfect match.”

 Evan lifted a dark brow. “You want my mother to marry your papa?”

Christy's Cozy Corners - Review

"You will love Rowena and Evan. They are very fun characters! I really enjoy when a novella can make a romance believable in such a short few pages. The Matchmaking Game is another one to add to your lists!"


"The progression of the storyline is sweet and natural, causing the reader (me included) to feel swept up in the events and to feel a part of the story, as it's very believable."


"The Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch is a delightful treat for the heart! With sizzling kisses, charming humor, and a tender friendship, it’s the perfect choice for a quick weekend read. You will fall in love with the characters and be sad to bid them farewell. And did I mention the kisses?!?!"

Heidi Reads... - Review

"Such a great story! The characters are vivid, the setting is awesome, the conflict is angsty, and the romance is... so romantic! . . . I loved this Regency romance and could not put it down until I was finished!"


"I would call this a regency read for sure, but I appreciate the love story, the story line itself and the loving romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I am sure most every other reader will too."

deal sharing aunt - Interview & Excerpt, Chapter One, Part 5

Q: What do you think makes a good story?

A: Good stories stem from unforgettable, complex characters who overcome obstacles, find new strength they didn’t know they had, and learn to place others’ happiness above their own. I love it when the hero is strong and yet has a vulnerable side to him—I find that very endearing. And of course, the happily-ever-after!

Rowena gave his arm a little shake. “I adore your mother, and I think she’d make my papa very happy. He needs the influence of a wife and companion, as I’m sure your mother would welcome a man to love and care for her.”

“Ro, this isn’t our place.”

Mel's Shelves - Review

"It's a great story of childhood friends whose feelings evolve as they get older. They are perfect for each other, but there's an obstacle to overcome to get to a happy ending. I enjoyed how it all played out. This is a great pick if you're looking for a quick, clean Regency romance to keep you entertained for an afternoon!"


"Donna Hatch does such a good job of creating characters that feel real and sincere. I love that. . . . This book was just fun. It made me smile and left me feeling happy."

Bookworm Lisa - Review

This book has some cute twists and turns. All is not as it seems. There are counter plots in the making. The book is a short and fun book to read for the pleasure of reading. I enjoyed my time engaged in the story.
  ** See the full review HERE***

Celticlady's Reviews - Excerpt, Chapter One, Part 6

She heaved a sigh. “Very well, then. What else can we do?”

“Stay out of their business?”

She smacked his arm with her fan. “Don’t be a wet blanket. This is just what they both need. Think of how devious and clever we’ll have to be to make them each realize that the other is interested.”

Booklove - Spotlight

Nicole's Book Musings - Excerpt, Chapter One, Part 7

Perhaps Evan’s reluctance sprang from a new source. Rowena softened her voice. “She can still love and honor your father’s memory even if she remarries.”

He murmured, “I know.”

Beck Valley Books - Excerpt, Chapter One, Part 8

Rowena opened her mouth and then closed it with a snap. The last thing Evan needed was a husband-hunter like Cynthia Pritchard dogging him. Evan had only been home from war a short time and had much more pressing issues—like helping match her papa with his mother.


"From page one readers will be pulled into the story and not want to put it down until the end. It is a sweet romance that will fill the heart with happiness and warmth."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...


The Matchmaking Game
(Timeless Romance Single)
Donna Hatch
Adult Historical Romance
ebook, 126 pages
April 18th 2017 by Mirror Press

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes the Timeless Romance Singles line.

THE MATCHMAKING GAME: A brand new historical romance novella from bestselling author Donna Hatch.

Rowena’s childhood friend, Evan, has returned home from war a handsome, but mysterious stranger. In an effort to bring happiness to her father, not to mention uncover the Evan she remembers from their youth, Rowena seeks to unite their parents. Who better to match a lonely widow and widower together than their adoring children? Her matchmaking game could help their parents find happiness and draw out her childhood friend buried beneath Evan’s new reserve … or it could break more than one heart.

Goodreads│Amazon

About the Author


Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty five years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.


Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a print copy of Heart Strings by Donna Hatch (US only)
- 1 winner will receive an ebook of Heart Strings by Donna Hatch (open internationally)
- Ends April 22nd

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Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 4:00 AM 0 comments

Monday, April 17, 2017

Chasing Red by Lauren Winder Farnsworth (Blog Tour + giveaway)


Chasing Red by Lauren Winder Farnsworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received eBook to review.
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  Ryder Redmond can’t wait to begin her new life in New York City, with her first real job after college. But the big city gets a little more complicated once she meets the charming and mysterious Damian Wolfe. On the surface he seems perfect, but her friend Hunter is suspicious of his all-too-straight smile and his motives towards Ryder. With her heart on the line, Ryder will have to decide just how much she trusts the handsome city slicker.


My thoughts; Ryder is one of the kindest, most trusting young women out there. She has just moved from her home town of Salt Lake City to New York City. She looks for the best and sees the best in everyone and in every situation. People who are downright rude to her, she finds a reason why they may be behaving that way and tries to be friendly.

Being a new innocent girl in a big city makes her a target for some unsavory characters. She was fortunate to meet Lily immediately on her arrival. They create a unique dynamic. I would say that they mix salt and sweet, somehow it works. Ryder also meets a great friend at work, his name is Hunter and he is her champion. He watches out for her and does his best to protect her from harmful people and circumstances.

Her love interest is Damien Wolfe. He is handsome, wealthy, and charismatic. He sweeps her off of her feet. He does and says all of the right things that make her appreciate him, but at the same time, all of her family and friends dislike him. I was looking over friend reviews and noticed that someone mentioned that this could be a twist on the Red Riding Hood fairy tale. I didn't notice that when reading, but I can see in hindsight the possibility. (His last name is Wolfe, she has red hair, that should been a major clue.)

There is a lot more to the story. I don't want to say much more because I feel that I would be giving away too much and spoiling the book for potential readers. I will add that there is some excitement, suspense, and mystery to the book. I did not see those events coming. I thought it would be a straight forward romance.

The book contains kissing, a little bit of violence including an attack of a sexual nature, and some innuendo. The book also has religious references. It mainly deals with her upbringing and character. I didn't find it to preach, just give background info for her situation.



Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository * Books & Things

About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Lauren Winder Farnsworth was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is an avid reader, a chocolate enthusiast, and a CPA with a slight alternative music obsession and dreams of one day becoming a gourmet chef. She obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Accounting from the University of Utah, went to work as a financial statement auditor, and then decided that since creative accounting wasn’t an option, creative writing would have to do. As a nice compromise, accountants tend to crop up in her stories (since she believes they’re shockingly under-represented in literature anyway). 

Having obtained two degrees from the same institution has made Lauren somewhat of a compound collegiate fan, and the only entity that holds more of her heart than the University of Utah is her hunky husband, Bryan. Lauren currently lives in South Jordan, Utah, where she spends entirely too much time watching Gilmore Girls and looking for excuses not to clean. She loves hearing from her readers at www.laurenwinderfarnsworth.com.


Enter the Tour Giveaway: 
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Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 5:30 AM 0 comments
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