Standing My Ground

Posted October 21, 2023 by Marsha in Discussion / 2 Comments

In case you haven’t noticed, there has been quite a larger-than-life debate on some social platforms, mainly X (formerly known as Twitter), about leaving reviews for books.  Some comments are rather bizarre, others downright rude.  I try to stay out of these things; after all, it’s just an opinion, right?

But this time, I stepped in when I just could not stand the post that I originally commented on.  I mean, as you’ll see below, I interpreted it as very rude and condescending.  So, I spoke up.  Right or wrong, I added my opinion to the conversation.  I’ve gotten some likes from that action and some comments, but overall, I’m proud of myself for taking a stand… and stepping out of my comfort zone.

I am not going to identify the person who made the original post. (I won’t give them more power)  But I will copy/paste the original comment along with my replies to it and other posts that I was fired up about.  Looking back, and a bit calmer, I don’t know if commenting was the right thing to do, yet I’ve discovered that I’m not the only one who shares my thoughts about reviews… so I’m still glad I did it.

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A Cowboy Country Christmas by Jennie Marts

Posted October 10, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, Christmas Romance, Connection or Spin-Off of Another Series, Modern Western Romance, NetGalley ARC, Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments

There’s no better time than Christmas to open your heart 

Holt Callahan used to love the holidays, but getting dumped on Christmas Eve would turn anyone into a Grinch. Now he hates Christmas and all the holly jolly shenanigans that go with it. When he moves back to his cousin’s ranch in Creedence, Colorado, the last thing he expects is to come face to face with the one who got away and all of her holiday cheer.

Lainey McBride is all about Christmas. Now, she’s running her family’s ranch festivities while her grandfather is in rehab, and no matter how many things don’t go according to plan, she’s determined to bring her holiday spirit. But the holidays have their own way of healing, and a Christmas in Creedence just might be the merry magic that brings these two broken hearts back together again.

Titles in the Creedence Horse Rescue series include — A Cowboy State of Mind —♥— When A Cowboy Loves A Woman —♥— How to Cowboy —♥— Never Enough Cowboy —♥— Every Bit A Cowboy —♥— A Cowboy Country Christmas —♥—

*I have read and enjoyed this series. However, the earlier reviews are on another blog of mine – I will only be linking the titles reviewed here to avoid linkage confusion. :)*

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

NetGalley ARC

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Merry Christmas, Montana by Elsa Winckler

Posted October 7, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Booksprout ARC, Contemporary Romance, Modern Western Romance, Series, Series Connection, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance, Tule Publishing / 0 Comments

She doesn’t believe in miracles, but maybe this holiday, her son’s Christmas wish will change her mind.

Single mom Riley O’Sullivan isn’t one to complain, but with her closest family members now settled in Marietta, Montana, while she still calls Portland home, finding good help isn’t as easy as it used to be. With Christmas approaching, Riley and her young son Dylan are excited to be in Marietta with family for the holidays, but she certainly doesn’t need maddening Mitch Miller coming to her rescue, awakening her senses, or making Dylan ask questions about what dads do.

Mitch Miller left his successful financial career behind him when he moved to Marietta with his two sisters. He’s not looking for love, but Riley captivates him like no other woman ever has. She thinks he’s an overprotective Grinch–with good cause–but it’s clear to everyone that Riley and Dylan could use a little Christmas magic, and he’s willing to help. It’s not as if he’s offering his heart.

Perhaps all it will take to bring them together is the Christmas wish from one special little boy.

Titles in The Millers of Marietta series include — My Montana Valentine —♥— A Match Made in Montana —♥— Merry Christmas, Montana —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

Love Marietta, Montana romances?  Then check out our Marietta Montana page

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Keep Your Enemies Close… by Joss Wood

Posted October 5, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Desire, Owned or Purchased, Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments

He wants her as he’s never wanted anyone…but he’s certain she can’t be trusted.

Merrick Knowles and Aly Garwood hate each other…and crave each other. Before they knew one another’s identities, they had a scorching one-night stand. 

But Merrick, the Grantham family’s protector, becomes suspicious of Aly’s true intentions when he discovers her living at the family estate.

Aly has a complicated connection to the Granthams—and she senses there’s some unfinished business at Calcott Manor. Merrick agrees to help if only to hasten her departure.

As their antagonism becomes passion and family secrets are revealed, Merrick must trust her or risk losing everything…

Titles in the Dynasties: Calcott Manor series include — Just a Little Jilted —♥— Their Temporary Arrangement —♥— The Trouble with Little Secrets —♥— Keep Your Enemies Close —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

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A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler

Posted October 5, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Booksprout ARC, Contemporary Romance, Series, Series Connection, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance, Tule Publishing / 0 Comments

She’s never forgotten the way the sun lit up Copper Mountain…

Seeking a new beginning after the death of her parents, Annie Miller impulsively moves to Marietta and sets up a bed-and-breakfast in picturesque Bramble Lane. With her brother and sister by her side, it’s a place to heal and forget the fiancé who left her just weeks before their wedding day. Now, all she really needs are some customers…

Marketing whiz Craig O’Sullivan is wedded to his work in Portland, but with the cousin he sees as a brother getting married soon, he heads to Marietta for a two-week vacation. As long as his beloved Aunt Janice doesn’t decide to play matchmaker on his behalf, he’ll be fine. But when Janice sets him up to help sweet Annie Miller market her B&B, he doesn’t mind at all. There’s something about Annie that makes him want to sell her on the idea of happily ever after. With him.

Craig’s life is in Portland, and Annie is bound to Marietta. Can they trust themselves and each other enough to open their hearts and let love in?

Titles in The Millers of Marietta series include — My Montana Valentine —♥— A Match Made in Montana —♥— Merry Christmas, Montana —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

Love Marietta, Montana romances?  Then check out our Marietta Montana page

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Her Convenient Vow to the Billionaire by Jane Holland

Posted October 1, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Presents, Owned or Purchased, Sexual Content / 0 Comments

The shocking twist to their reunion…
She must marry the tycoon!

Playboy CEO Rafael is determined to demolish the biggest demon from his past: the Greek orphanage he once called home. It’s a cruel reminder of all he’s lost, including his childhood sweetheart Sabrina.

But then she shows up to stop him!

When Rafael offers to hand over the orphanage if Sabrina becomes his convenient bride, she scoffs. She’s still healing from the heartbreak of their last passionate encounter, and marrying him will test her every limit.

But as long-buried secrets are unveiled, Sabrina has no choice but to trust him…

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Own

Category romance debut author

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The Untold Story of Carol Bingley by Jane Hartley

Posted September 28, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Booksprout ARC, Connection or Spin-Off of Another Series, Modern Western Romance, Owned or Purchased, Series, Series Connection, Series Multi-Author, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance, Tule Publishing / 0 Comments

Carol Bingley has a certain reputation in Marietta, Montana. She’s an infamous gossip and overly generous with her sharp opinions. But Carol’s been hiding a painful secret.

Forty years ago, sixteen-year-old high school student Carol Franklyn was madly in love with a bad boy cowboy with an irresistible smile and sexy swagger. The day he asked her to meet him at the local hangout, the Main Street Diner, Carol thought all her dreams had come true. What she didn’t know was that she had become a pawn in a cruel and manipulative game that would spin her life painfully off course.

Now happily married to a man who loves her unconditionally, Carol is finally ready to share her painful past, but will she be believed? And can she be forgiven when she faces two of Marietta’s most powerful, tight-knit families?

Carol has lost so much. But this Christmas, she hopes she can find two puzzle pieces of her past and sets out on a journey, hoping she will finally be healed, not once again hurt.

Titles in the 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo series include — Take Me Please, Cowboy by Jane Porter —♥— Tempt Me Please, Cowboy by Megan Crane —♥— Marry Me Please, Cowboy by Sinclair Jayne —♥— Promise Me Please, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael —♥— The Untold Story of Carol Bingley by Jane Hartley —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Love Marietta, Montana stories?  Then please visit our Marietta, Montana page for more titles.

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Hunting The Truth by Kathleen Donnelly

Posted September 27, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Carina Press (Harlequin), NetGalley ARC, Romantic Suspense, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments

“Hide, Maya. Don’t let the bad people find you.”

Those are the last words Forest Service law enforcement officer and K-9 handler Maya Thompson ever heard her mother say.

Returning to the Colorado mountains, ex-soldier Maya is no longer a scared little girl.

She’s here to investigate her mother’s cold case, but fear creeps in when it comes to her personal life—things are getting serious with Sheriff Deputy Josh Colten.

After new DNA evidence surfaces, both her beloved grandfather and Josh warn her away from the case, suspecting that she could be the next victim. But Maya doesn’t listen.

Instead, Maya and her K-9 partner, Juniper, track a suspect deep into the forest and directly into grave danger…

Titles in the National Forest K-9 series include — Chasing Justice —♦— Hunting the Truth —♦—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

NetGalley ARC

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Promise Me Please, Cowboy by C.J. Carmichael

Posted September 27, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Booksprout ARC, Connection or Spin-Off of Another Series, Modern Western Romance, Series, Series Multi-Author, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance, Tule Publishing / 0 Comments

Marietta has a way of bringing people together…

Cowboy Chet Hardwick is in Marietta, Montana, to compete in the 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo. Chet’s not there to make any waves, he needs to focus on the rodeo, avoid his deadbeat father, and return home. But when the beautiful owner at his bed-and-breakfast needs assistance, Chet can’t resist stepping in to help.

After a life-altering accident, Amy Arden left her Wall Street job and impulsively bought Bramble House B&B. While she learns the ropes, she’s also determined to uncover a secret from her late mother’s past—Amy’s birth father. The staff aren’t happy with Amy’s new ideas and quit, leaving Amy struggling to keep the fully booked inn operating. She finds an unexpected ally in one of her guests, a handsome, lone-wolf cowboy who is surprisingly easy to talk to. But just as their friendship heats up, ghosts from both their pasts arrive at Bramble House.

Amy knows Chet is the man she wants, but as Chet receives news that will take him far from Marietta, will he find his way back to her?

Titles in the 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo series include — Take Me Please, Cowboy by Jane Porter —♥— Tempt Me Please, Cowboy by Megan Crane —♥— Marry Me Please, Cowboy by Sinclair Jayne —♥— Promise Me Please, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael —♥— The Untold Story of Carol Bingley by Jane Hartley —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Love Marietta, Montana stories?  Then please visit our Marietta, Montana page for more titles.

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Their After Hours Playbook by Karen Booth

Posted September 26, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Booksprout ARC, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Desire, Seasoned Romance, Sexual Content, Standalone Single Title / 0 Comments

Their rival sports agencies are in competition…but sex is a game both can win. 

Paige Moss’s agency is breaking down barriers by representing female athletes—until Zach Armstrong, CEO of a rival agency, makes a foray into her territory. If she isn’t careful, Zach could poach her clients and ruin her.

A face-off at a Vegas Sports Expo should set him straight…but Paige is caught off-guard by their searing attraction. Now, she’s sleeping with the enemy!  

Paige vows it’ll be a one-night affair. Zach is everything she doesn’t want—he’s her rival, her competition, and he’s considerably younger.

But as passion rages between them, can they find a way to mix business with pleasure? 

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

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Marry Me Please, Cowboy by Sinclair Jayne

Posted September 21, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Booksprout ARC, Connection or Spin-Off of Another Series, Modern Western Romance, Owned or Purchased, Series, Series Connection, Series Multi-Author, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance, Tule Publishing / 0 Comments

She has her eye on the prize. He has his eyes on her.

Former soldier, now rodeo cowboy, Huck Jones doesn’t believe in love or marriage. Still, a promise is a promise, and he’s prepared to honor his fallen team leader’s wish to walk his sister down the aisle in Marietta, Montana. When the groom bolts moments before the ceremony, Huck offers himself as her alternative groom.

Barrel racer Willow McBride hates the cowboy code, and the soldier code is even more annoying. She’s pregnant, not helpless, so when her late brother’s sexy friend offers himself as a sacrificial husband, the answer is a resounding no. She wants love, not duty. Plus, the 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo is looking to be her last as a competitor, and she intends to win.

Huck may no longer be a soldier, but he still believes no man—or woman—should be left behind. He’ll need to woo the beautiful, stubbornly independent cowgirl and change her mind. Failure is never an option.

Titles in the 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo series include — Take Me Please, Cowboy by Jane Porter —♥— Tempt Me Please, Cowboy by Megan Crane —♥— Marry Me Please, Cowboy by Sinclair Jayne —♥— Promise Me Please, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael —♥— The Untold Story of Carol Bingley by Jane Hartley —♥—

Titles in The Coyote Cowboys of Montana series include — The Cowboy’s Word —♥— Marry Me Please, Cowboy (The 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo #3) —♥— The Cowboy’s Christmas Homecoming —♥— The Cowboy Charm —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Love Marietta, Montana stories?  Then please visit our Marietta, Montana page for more titles.

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Tempt Me Please, Cowboy by Megan Crane

Posted September 13, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, Author ARC, Booksprout ARC, Contemporary Romance, Modern Western Romance, Series, Series Connection, Series Multi-Author, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments

Five years ago, when Sydney Campbell came through Marietta on her way to the big Grey family Christmas, she ran into newcomer Jackson Flint in Grey’s Saloon. Directly into him.

In Montana, to build some bridges with his older, billionaire half-brothers, Jackson didn’t plan to stay. Sydney was just visiting family from her high-stakes life in D.C. For one night, they lit each other on fire, kissed goodbye, and never thought they’d see each other again.

But Jackson built more than bridges and put down roots. And just about every holiday, he’s watched Sydney turn up in town. The fire that always blazes between them gets hotter every visit, but this time is different. This fall, Sydney decides to stay a while. With the 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo taking Marietta by storm, Jackson knows this is the chance he’s been waiting for.

And he means to take it—if he can convince the only woman he’s ever wanted that there’s more freedom in loving him than letting go.

Titles in the 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo series include — Take Me Please, Cowboy by Jane Porter —♥— Tempt Me Please, Cowboy by Megan Crane —♥— Marry Me Please, Cowboy by Sinclair Jayne —♥— Promise Me Please, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael —♥— The Untold Story of Carol Bingley by Jane Hartley —♥—

There is a connection to The Greys of Montana series, so it is not necessary to enjoy this story, but if you want more of this family, that’s one place to start.

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

** If you’ve loved the fictional town of Marietta, Montana, you might like our page devoted to this unique world.

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A Small Town Memory by Melinda Curtis

Posted September 12, 2023 by Marsha in ARC, Booksprout ARC, Contemporary Romance, Little to No Sexual Content (kissing), Series, Small Town Romance, Sweet Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

I think I’m your wife…
Master Baker Jessica Aguirre arrives in Harmony Valley intent upon finding the father of her unborn child. If only she knew who he was. An accident may have damaged the relevant parts of this expectant mother’s memory, but when she sees Duffy Dufraine’s handsome face, she’s convinced he’s the man who haunts her memories.

But memory can be an elusive thing…
The man she was looking for – Duffy’s dead twin – was no angel. He was a con man, one who swindled his family and may have cheated Jessica out of her savings. Duffy hated him. Jessica should just walk away. But being near Duffy brings back snatches of memory, and increasingly she’s finding it hard to walk away from this wounded man.

Titles in the Love in Harmony Valley series include — Dandelion Wishes —♥— A Small Town Second Chance —♥— A New Beginning in a Small Town —♥— A Small Town Summer —♥— Forever Family in a Small Town —♥— A Small Town Memory —♥— A Small Town Romance —♥— Finding Family in a Small Town —♥—

This is a romance that includes no swearing, no violence, and no sexual content (beyond a few kisses).

Previously Published

Booksprout ARC

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When You’re Waiting by April Murdock

Posted September 10, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Booksprout ARC, Contemporary Romance, Little to No Sexual Content (kissing), Modern Western Romance, Series, Small Town Romance, Sweet Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Widower single dad Jack isn’t interested in dating. His life is his daughter and the ranch. There’s no room for anything—or anyone—else. When he’s unwittingly caught in the middle of a setup, he can’t be rude, but he doesn’t have to give in.

Emily eagerly agrees when her friend offers to set her up with her boyfriend’s brother. Tired of being single, it seems like matchmaking by a friend is the only way she’s going to meet a good man in this small town.

Their first date doesn’t go well at all, but Emily isn’t ready to give up. She’s intrigued by the hunky, grumpy cowboy, and she wants to know more about his daughter, who is deaf. She knows sign language and is certain she’ll bond with the sweet little girl. But Jack isn’t so sure.

When Emily seems like the perfect choice to help Jack’s daughter learn sign language, Jack gives in. He’s all in to make sure his daughter gets everything she needs. As his daughter falls in love with Emily, Jack’s heart begins to soften. But he can’t let her in. He refuses to lose anyone he loves again. Emily might challenge his fear of loss, though.

Titles in the Sagebrush Ranch series include — When You’re Friends —♥— When You’re Waiting —♥—

This adult romance does not contain graphic violence, swearing, or sexual situations beyond kisses.

Booksprout ARC

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The Bossy One by Leslie North

Posted September 9, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Booksprout ARC, Contemporary Romance, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance, Standalone Single Title / 0 Comments

WANTED: Nanny who will put up with an infuriatingly grumpy Irish billionaire.

If you throw an Irish billionaire out of a plane at 40,000 feet, would he fly?  That’s the question I asked myself when Declan Bryne basically told me that it’d be “grand if I could stop talking.”

I can’t help it. I’m a nervous flyer.  But that should’ve been my sign to hit EJECT!  Because this is doomed to fail.

He’s a total grump.  He obviously doesn’t like me.  He’s too distractingly gorgeous to be around for any length of time.  And he’s made it clear that as soon as he can find another nanny, I’m gone.

But this Minnesota girl is made of tough stuff. I know I can make it through one Irish summer with one sexy Irish curmudgeon.

At least, I thought I could until he became that much harder to resist.  The way he is around his niece, Catie, is Hallmark-worthy.  The more I work for Declan, the more I realize there’s something growing between us…an attraction that’s impossible to resist.  Declan hides a kind heart behind his stormy, gruff demeanor.  And that accent.  That suave Irish brogue makes my insides melt.

The cardinal rule of being a nanny is to not get involved with the family.  To maintain a professional distance.  Sleeping with Declan would definitely cross that line.

Some rules are meant to be kept.  Others are meant to be shattered.

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

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