Donovan's Bed: Debra Mullins

“Made for Bedding...

“A buckboard rolls through town carrying Jack Donovan’s extraordinary new bed, beautifully ornate and big enough for an entire family--or one hot-blooded woman! And lovely Sarah Calhoun is exactly the woman Donovan has in mind. The persistent newspaper editor just won’t leave him alone, and the best way he knows to shut her sassy mouth...is with his own. But Donovan makes it perfectly clear that Sarah’s far too independent to be included on his list of prospective wives. All he wants from her is a good time--though he promises it will be a very good time!

“...or a Wedding?

“Sarah is determined to uncover Donovan’s secret past, but every time she goes near the man, her ridiculous attraction to him takes over. So after his insulting offer, she retaliates by publicizing his search for a wife--and soon Donovan’s flooded with lusty widows, lovestruck teens, and lonely spinsters...he can’t turn around without tripping over another would-be bride! But when the dust settles, will Sarah have won their battle of the sexes--or lost her only chance at true love?”

Oh yes...a good old trashy romance novel. I shiver in anticipation...

...

I’m surprised at how quickly I liked the characters. Both Sarah and Donovan are feisty and witty, which makes for some interesting interactions. I took special note that Donovan made a very good “imperfect male lead”. He had his own secrets and complexities that made him good to read, but the part where Debra Mullins went out of her way to state how he wasn’t what one could normally consider handsome struck me. It was his attitude and carriage that drew Sarah to him. This made the whole scenario seem more realistic and created a plot that was much easier to read.

...

I literally devoured this book in about two days. I forgot how much I could enjoy a fun, easy read like this one (not that Mullins’ writing is simple, she just makes her plots and characters so accessible that it’s easy to fall into her books like Alice into Wonderland). Though I’m not usually one for the Western romances, I liked this one a lot. I was so immersed in the story that I completely forgot I was reading a book. This isn’t something that’s easy to make me do--especially since my RAIR method began, because I’ve begun placing myself outside of the books and have been consciously taking notes as I read.

Like I said, I’m not one for Westerns (as one can tell from any of the other reviews with the WESTERN tag on them). This one, however, felt very little like a Western. There were certainly enough elements for it to qualify, but it really didn’t feel forced or overly prominent and I think this is what made the difference for me. Everything flowed so nicely and the descriptions were beautiful without seeming too contrived or taken right out of one of those bad spaghetti Westerns that my uncle finds so absolutely fascinating...ugh... Anyway, I already wrote a little about the characters and I still feel much the same way. I liked Donovan all the way through the book. If anything, he got better as I read. He didn’t fall apart like MANY other male leads in romance novels. For this, I give Debra Mullins much credit. It’s not easy to maintain a character’s tough facade when he’s fallen in love. She definitely handled everything well with Donovan. I especially liked Donovan’s secret. I don’t want to give it away, but I was not in the least bit disappointed, nor did I think it entirely implausible. Sarah remained a good character. I think I wanted to see a little bit more fire from her toward the end, but she didn’t really disappoint. I don’t think I want anything to change about the book to accommodate this, so I can definitely live with it.

I know this is a short review, but the book is pretty self-explanatory. The plot speaks for itself in its fun and well-written nature and the characters practically pop off the pages. As you can tell, I really did enjoy this book and it was every bit as good as the first Mullins book I read. I look forward to tracking down more of her books and enjoying them as well.

The Outlaws: Jess (The Outlaws, Book Two): Connie Mason

“GUNNED DOWN

“Mere days after becoming an outlaw, Jess Gentry stared down the wrong end of a six shooter. A ready trigger-finger brooked no argument, until the black-clad figure calling the shots was shot down. Jess’s conscience and years of training as a doctor demanded he try to help. But the bounty hunter was like no other he had encountered--long ebony hair, even longer sexy legs, and green eyes a man could get lost in. And soon, while Meg didn’t plan on taking him to the sheriff, she had certainly gotten her man.

“Meg Lincoln awoke naked in the arms of an indecently handsome outlaw. An outlaw she had intended to bring in. An outlaw whose compassion and healing hands had saved her life. But his touch incited another ache--a longing she had never known. And for the first time, Meg wondered if there might be a man who was good for something other than hunting. A man worth keeping around...a certain doctor who promised to mend her soul as surely as he had captured her heart.”

After a terribly long absence, I’ve returned to romance novels! Yay! The other night, I realized that something has been missing. I looked back at some older posts and saw that I hadn’t read a truly “fun” book since Christmas Eve. Before that, it had been MONTHS since my last romance novel! How did I ever manage?!?

Now, to the actual review. I started reading this book the a couple of nights ago after much hemming and hawing over which book from my meager library I should pick up (a VAST majority of my books were left back home when I moved for school). I saw that it had been a while since I read one of my favorite authors and grabbed this Connie Mason one. Since this is the second in a series that I began reading quite a while ago, I figured why not?

As of right now, I’m a little under halfway through the book. It’s a good read. I like Jess a lot as a male lead. Having a man who’s skilled with his mind as well as his hands is always a plus in a male lead--not that many romantic heroes are purely beefcakes (anymore) because women have become very vocal that they want a little bit more from their men than rippling pectorals. Meg, on the other hand, began as a very stock female lead for me. This may be attributed to the fact that she played a very minor (rather, unconscious) role for a good deal of the beginning. I’m not sure though, because this feeling persisted for several chapters. Like I said, I’m nearly halfway through the book already, but I’ve only just begun to care for her. Needless to say, this is a little bit disappointing.

The plot, however, isn’t too bad. I’m sure I would appreciate it a lot better had I read this book closer on the heels of the first in this series. In my head, I seem to be confusing it with another Connie Mason book... : / This isn’t a big deal. Totally my fault. I suppose we’ll see where Connie Mason decides to take me!

...

Many weeks later. (This makes me feel like the announcer on Spongebob.)

This book took me an unfortunately long time to finish. I really, really wanted to love this book, but I didn’t. It was good--a decent read because I still love Connie Mason--but it didn’t satisfy my pressing need for a good ol’ romance novel. Either I’ve somehow been turned off of romance novels (which would be tragic), or the subject matter of this book didn’t give me enough. I’ve never pretended to love reading about the nineteenth century West, and I’m going to chalk my un-love of this book to that character flaw of mine. I really think I should have picked one of my more “traditional” reads to ease myself back into my sorely neglected romance reading. When in doubt, don’t ever fail to fall back on an ol’ reliable :)

To retouch on the characters, I never loved Meg, no matter how hard I tried. Jess grew a little more generic as the story went on and this really, really disappointed me. Meg’s “little secret” did make the plot a little more interesting, but I remained unimpressed. The ending was decent, if a little hollow and generic. Browsing online, I stumbled across several other unfavorable reviews of this book. Many were a lot harsher than mine, but I don’t necessarily believe these are fair. Connie Mason is a fantastic author, but this book fell a little short. Everyone is entitled to one non-amazing book. However, I’ll not let this turn me off of Mason’s writing. She retains a place on my top authors list.

Beyond the Horizon: Connie Mason

"Red and white, Indian and settler, male and female, they came together in a fierce clash of wills as the wagons trains rolled ever westward, following the dream of a new life...

"As the sheltered daughter of the once prosperous Branigan family; beautiful Shannon was ill-prepared for the rigors of the Oregon Trail, but she was still less prepared for half-breed scout Swift Blade. His dark eyes seemed to pierce her very soul, stripping away layers of civilization and baring her hidden longing to his savage gaze. His bronzed arms were forbidden to her, his searing kisses just a tantalizing fantasy; but as the countless miles passed beneath the wagon wheels, taking them to the heart of Indian territory, Shannon sensed that this untamed land would give her new strength and freedom to love the one man who could fulfill her wild desire."

Anyone who has read some of my other blog posts knows that I love Connie Mason. Though this book took me a while to get through, I really ended up enjoying it. Blade was a good, tortured character who was haunted by things he could not change, no matter how hard he tried. However, sometimes, Shannon fell a little flat. I loved her attitude in some parts, but she occasionally stumbled into the role of "thick-headed female lead". That didn't deter me from the plot, however. I'm not usually one for "Western" novels, but this one was good. It flowed well and kept me interested. It was a bit long...though I ended up liking it. As usual, I will keep on reading Mason's wonderful works!

***I had a feeling that there was more to the story of Shannon's family, but wasn't sure until I read the note from Connie Mason at the end of the book. Apparently, this book was some sort of a continuation of a book written by another author--Robin Lee Hatcher--titled "Promised Sunrise". It's the story of Shannon's older brother, Tucker. I really wish I had read that book first (that there had been some sort of note on her site or something), but oh well...I'll just have to go out and get that one now. I'll let you know how it is!***

The Outlaws—Rafe (The Outlaws, Book One): Connie Mason

“He Was Going To Hang

“Rafe Gentry had committed plenty of sins, but not the robbery and murder that had landed him in jail. Now, with a lynch mob out for his blood, he was staring death in the face…until a blond beauty with the voice of an angel stepped in to redeem him.

“She Was Going To Wed

“There was only one way to rescue the dark and dangerous outlaw from the hanging tree—by claiming him as the fictitious fiancé she was supposed to meet in Pueblo. But Sister Angela Abbot never anticipated that she would have to make good on her claim and actually marry the rogue. Railroaded into a hasty wedding, reeling from the raw, seductive power of Rafe’s kiss, she wondered whether she had made the biggest mistake of her life, or the most exciting leap of faith.”

So, I’m back to reading more Connie Mason! (I’ve noticed a trend in my reading lately…there’s a pattern of Connie Mason and Sherrilyn Kenyon…so I think to keep things interesting, I’m going to have to read a new author next.)

This was the first in Mason’s The Outlaws series and it was an interesting start. I liked Rafe’s character a lot and Angel was fun to watch too—though both were similar to other Mason characters I’ve seen before. I mentioned in my last review that there was a pretty common thread in Mason’s books. This one deviated a little and it made it easier to read. I liked seeing more variety in Connie Mason’s writing—though; don’t get me wrong, I love Mason’s writing! I’m pretty excited to get my hands on the next book in this series.

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Promised Splendor: Connie Mason

“ “I won’t cheat you, Glenna,” Kane Morgan swore in the heat of passion. “I promise you’ll find only pleasure in my arms.” And pleasure—searing, breathtaking, exquisite pleasure—was what she did find as Kane took her innocence amidst the whispering pines of the Colorado wilderness. Lovely, flame-haired Glenna longed to give him her soul as well as her body, but she had come West to avenge her father’s death, and she could not promise her heart until she’d brought his murderer to justice. Caught in a trap of her own making, estranged from the only man she would ever love, Glenna prayed he would return to make good his passionate vows. For only in Kane’s strong arms could she find the sweet ecstasy of….

“PROMISED SPLENDOR”

Another hit by Connie Mason! This book took me a while to read (though I know school was a major factor in that), but it was good nonetheless. I really love her characters—especially her leading male roles. They are easy to fall for and fascinating to watch develop. As I’ve mentioned before, Mason has a knack for writing settings in such a way that the readers feel as if they are actually there. I caught myself on more than one occasion feeling as if I were actually watching a movie instead of reading a book. Her writing is so easy to get sucked into.

Overall, the plot was interesting and fun. Lately…I have been noticing some common threads throughout all of Mason’s books that I’ve read. I don’t know how I feel about this, but it’s not terrible. Certainly, I will be reading more of Mason in the future (but I will keep a lookout for the patterns I’ve noticed…hopefully I’m not disappointed…)

Nobody's Darling: Teresa Medeiros

“Dear Reader

“I never enjoyed being a wanted man until the day Miss Esmerelda Fine marched into the Tumbleweed Saloon and pointed her derringer straight at my heart. Who would have guessed some duke’s granddaughter—an awfully pretty one at that—would come gunning for the likes of me, a notorious bounty hunter with a taste for whisky and a fondness for peach pie?

“Lucky for me, she was a mighty poor shot. Instead of killing me, she hired me to find her runaway brother. Little did she know she was about to make the acquaintance of a flea-bitten basset hound named Sadie, the infamous Darling Gang, and my shotgun-toting kinfolk. And little did I know she was about to lead me on a merry chase that would take us from a bungled bank robbery to the very first Wild West show to tour London, England.

“I should have turned down her offer. I should have resisted her charms. But I didn’t.

“Because there comes a time in every man’s life when he’s got nothing left to lose…but his heart.

“Yours,

“Billy Darling”

As you all know, I LOVE Teresa Medeiros and read her every chance I get, but you may also have noticed that I don’t tend to review “Wild West” books…that’s because I usually don’t like them… Well, this book TOTALLY changed my mind! It gave me a new perspective on the setting as well as the time period (and I’m sure it helped my acclimation that part of the story actually took place in London). I don’t know why I was so apprehensive… Maybe because—since I live in America and all—I would have already heard a similar story a thousand times. The typical cowboy…outlaws…robberies…but this story had a whole new twist that made all of my apprehensions seem unfounded. I laughed and even got choked up.

The characters were SO endearing and I loved them! Billy was such a fun character to read and he made the West come alive for me. I particularly loved the Epilogue. I don’t want to ruin too much, but not many authors will take the time to go that far ahead into the future to follow their characters’ legacy. Overall, this book is now one of my favorite ones by Medeiros.