Will an innocent offer of help lead two obstinate hearts along the road to love?
Truitt Lucas is the guy who brings laughter wherever he goes and refuses to take life too seriously. Beneath his carefree exterior, though, he yearns for more adventure and excitement than he’ll find working on the family ranch alongside his cousin and grandmother. When the opportunity arises to assist a trick rider, Truitt eagerly lends a hand. However, he soon finds himself drawn to the perplexing woman who barely tolerates him.
Jolee Judson is living her dream as a trick rider on the rodeo circuit, using her lifelong passion for horses and gymnastics to wow the crowds. But when her partner unexpectedly abandons her, Jolee is just desperate enough to accept a good-natured cowboy’s offer to help. Fascinated and infuriated by Truitt and his shenanigans, Jolee struggles against her growing feelings for him. Falling for Truitt could spell disaster for her future and derail everything she’s worked for.
Can the two of them find common ground where trust is earned and love becomes a cherished gift?
Tricking Christmas is a heartwarming cowboy/cowgirl romance by Shanna Hatfield. Truitt Lucas, a down-to-earth cowboy, and Jolee Judson, a trick rider, reluctantly team up to finish rodeo contracts after Jolee’s partner leaves. Despite Truitt’s reputation as a ladies’ man, he’s always admired Jolee. As they work together, their friendship deepens into romance, portrayed authentically in the slow-burn narrative. The story, set during Christmas, features captivating descriptions of rodeo acts and offers a charming read suitable for any time of year.
Rancher Whitman Benton is determined to protect Outcrop, Oregon, from greedy developers, but if he wants to be seen as a serious candidate for county commissioner, he needs a stable long-term girlfriend. When matchmaker Piper Wallace steps into the role, their sweet rapport becomes headline news—not to mention the memories it brings back of their fiery debates in college. But can a successful fake relationship become a real contender?
This is a captivating romance novel featuring well-developed protagonists, Whitman and Piper, whose journey from quasi-frenemies to lovers feels natural and satisfying. Despite incorporating popular tropes like fake engagement, the plot is skillfully crafted, allowing the romance to shine through authentically. While part of a series, the book stands well on its own, showcasing the author’s strong writing and humorous dialogue. Although some may find the abundance of secondary characters distracting, the overarching theme of overcoming past hurts and embracing a brighter future resonates throughout the story.
Frank Culhane may be the wealthy patriarch of one of Texas’ most prestigious families, but his party girl daughter, Jasmine, is only interested in the money the ranch brings in—and the cowboys. Until the day she heads to the stables in search of their hot horse trainer and instead discovers her daddy’s body in their prize stallion’s box stall.
Roper’s rodeo career was cut short by an injury. Now, he’s hungry to compete in reining events, like the prized forthcoming Run for a Million. In the meantime, until his family can afford their own breeding business, he’s got to work for the rich ranchers who snub them—including the Culhanes. But when an autopsy reveals Frank was murdered, Roper lands on the list of possible suspects.
A city outsider, Detective Sam Rafferty’s investigation propels him into a tangle of simmering rivalries. For the ranch is now in the hands of an explosive partnership: Frank’s young, glamourous second wife, Lila, and his scorned first wife, Madeline. Lila has a genuine passion for ranching. Madeline is determined to destroy her.
Through Sam’s interviews, more tensions surface—there are Madeline’s grown children who’ve been bypassed for control of the ranch, the socially dismissed McKennas, and the breeders, politicians, and gangsters ready to profit from Frank’s death. But tricky alliances are also brewing. While Lila and Roper clash, they discover a fire beneath their sparring. And with a killer still at large, the heat between Jasmine and Sam could put the case, and all their futures, on the line . . .
About The Author
My Review
Frank Culhane, a prominent Texas rancher, is found murdered in a horse stall, sparking an investigation led by Detective Sam Rafferty. Suspects include Frank’s second wife, Lila, and his first wife, Madeline, who is determined to remove Lila from the ranch. As the investigation unfolds, secrets and motives come to light, leading to unexpected twists in this romantic suspense novel by Janet Dailey.
As rival showbiz journalists, they are always out to get one-up on each other – whether being the first to scoop the latest celebrity gossip, or sabotaging a potential lead.
So when their bosses ask them to join forces and go undercover at an exclusive celebrity retreat, they can’t think of anything worse – except that they are going to need to pretend to be in couples therapy to blend in…
Being on a tropical island for work would be most people’s idea of heaven, but for Lara and Sonny it’s hell. Can a week of sun, sea and uncovering showbiz secrets together chip away at Lara and Sonny’s rivalry? And once they get home and the fake relationship is over, could a real one be left in its place?
This book is a delightful romantic comedy following two rival showbiz journalists who must pretend to be a couple at an exclusive resort. The fake relationship trope, coupled with the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, adds to the charm of the story. As Lara and Sonny navigate their pretend relationship, they encounter humorous situations and quirky couples at the resort, making for an entertaining read. Despite some tropes, the premise is original, and the characters are well-crafted, feeling authentic and relatable. While the frequent use of the word “insist” can be grating, the overall experience is enjoyable, perfect for fans of light-hearted romantic comedies with a happy ending.
When a local meadow is turned into a bee-friendly allotment, will romance also blossom?
New teacher Ceri has enough on her plate trying to keep her class in line and get them excited for her Foxmore wildlife efforts. Then she meets the mysterious – and occasionally grumpy – Damon, whose orchard she’d like to explore.
Rock star Damon has moved to Foxmore to escape the hounding paparazzi following the tragic death of his bandmate. Relocating to somewhere quiet and isolated is just what he needs to recover. Ceri is a ray of sunshine, but he’s not ready to share his dark secrets with her.
As love blooms, will Damon’s hidden past get in the way of their happiness? And can he bring himself to give up his music for love?
This book is a delightful and engaging addition to the Foxmore series. The narrative flows effortlessly, providing a pleasant and undemanding reading experience. While potentially marking the end of the series, it introduces fresh energy with the introduction of Hew’s sister, Ceri. Damon’s character development is a notable highlight, adding complexity beyond the typical romantic narrative. Overall, it’s a testament to Mills’ storytelling prowess, offering well-developed characters and a perfect blend of familiarity and novelty.
Lexie is always on the move, but there is one constant in her life – her ‘wish jar’; the childhood tradition from home that she couldn’t leave behind.
When Lexie’s estranged dad dies, she is shocked to learn that she has inherited half of his travel company in Bath. Her dad’s will stipulates that she must work with Theo, her handsome but bad tempered business partner, for a year.
Once the year is over, Lexie intends to leave. But a work trip to sizzling Spain reveals a chemistry between Lexie and Theo that is impossible to deny.
Will Lexie find a reason to stay in one place? Will she discover the secret her father kept from her, and finally learn the meaning of home?
Murder In Portofino By T.A.Williams
A much-needed holiday…
Dan Armstrong hasn’t done much retiring since moving to Tuscany, and with his new career as a successful private investigator taking off, it seems murder seems to follow him. He’s hoping a much-needed trip to beautiful Portofino will give him the break he needs and quality time with girlfriend Anna.
A gathering of celebrities…
Portofino is a celebrity paradise, and holidaying on a nearby superyacht is a group of British media stars, all famous for being infamous. Dan isn’t impressed by their status or wealth, but when he overhears an argument between two of the group, he suspects something fishy could be going on…
A cold-blooded killer?
And then a body is washed up on shore and Dan’s hopes for a holiday go overboard. Could this simply be a tragic accident or is there a killer amidst the assembled celebrity cast? Dan and Oscar have their work cut out before the tide turns…
It’s another gripping case for Dan and Oscar – it’s murder in paradise!
Springwell Series By Leslie North
Welcome to Springwell, where romance burns hotter than the rugged military men who call it home. Trained and tough, they’re defenseless against the sultry women who steal their hearts. Get ready for hours of sizzling passion in this six-book boxset by bestselling author Leslie North—dive in and feel the heat!
Protecting Mandy
They say bad things come in threes, and boy, does Mandy believe it. First, Mandy’s father dies, leaving behind crippling debt and an auto repair business whose only mechanic just quit. Then former Navy SEAL Chance McCallister, the man who broke her heart years ago, walks through her door. She’d be crazy to hire him as her new mechanic. She’d be even crazier to fall in love with him again…
Saving Rachel
Harris has fantasized about Rachel Winchester for years. But as a Marine Raider, having Rachel in his life is not part of the plan. Neither is the positive pregnancy test after their unforgettable one-night stand. Or the realization that someone wants Rachel dead. Now, Harris will stop at nothing to protect the family he never expected from a danger he never saw coming.
Guarding Viktoria
Viktoria thinks her father is just being paranoid when he hires Lee McCallister to protect her. The last thing she needs is a babysitter. Even if he is a jaw-droppingly sexy former Army Ranger. But as they make their way from California to New York, the threat intensifies…and so does their attraction.
Rescuing Carolyn
No amount of SEAL training could prepare Zach for the sight of Carolyn Evert, the only woman he’d ever loved, being held hostage in her jewelry store. After Carolyn left him, Zach vanished into the shadowy world of Black Ops. He thought he’d lost her forever…then she tells him he has a son.
Sheltering Lily
Former Navy SEAL Colin Vale had a tough upbringing, so he’s dead set on giving his adopted daughter the best possible life and—someday—the best mom. Enter Lily Rhodes, the hot nanny who’s great with his little girl. Lily’s too flighty to be the perfect mom. But she just might be perfect for Colin…
Shielding Soledad
Navy SEAL Alex Vale is shocked to learn one of his teammates is a traitor. Then his ex—his very pregnant ex—turns up at his door with another bombshell. He’s going to be a dad. But his ex-teammate is out for revenge, putting Soledad and Alex’s newborn son in danger. And keeping them safe could mean losing them forever.
My Sanctuary 