Fire & Ice - A Review

Published - October 2015, Bethany House Publishers
Series - Wild at Heart Book 3
Author - Mary Connealy
Title - Fire & Ice
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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Bailey Wilde is the oldest sister. She's the one who served in the war the longest and as a result has the fewest number of years to work off her homestead. She's built her house across the entrance to a canyon that is prime grazing land. The problem is that Gage Coulter owns the canyon. And she's cut off his only access to his land. That makes him mad. Over the past few months, the two have butted heads. Gage still doesn't know she's a woman, though the secret's out about both sisters. When he does find out, he's madder than ever. Both of these two don't speak for months due to the harsh winter. For Bailey, the long winter is longer than ever and she's the loneliest she's ever been with both sisters married and moved away. When the first thaws of spring arrive, the melting snow brings Gage to her doorstep. He's desperate. Sure he wants the land, but he really needs a wife and thinks Bailey would be perfect. In a moment of desperation, she agrees to his proposal. But these newlyweds soon discover that things aren't going to be all roses. Someone still is set on harming Bailey, and Gage realizes he will do anything to protect the woman he's coming to love. Can these two strong people manage to catch the culprit and fall in love in the process?

This book was a delight to read. I certainly recommend  reading this series in order as there are hints of Gage and Bailey throughout. Their story though, was positively delightful.

The chemistry between the two is very strong. I loved how determined Gage was to get to his land. And Bailey was equally determined not to let him. Well at least to an extent. And when they did finally get married, I loved how understanding Gage was of Bailey's fears.

I really think that this book was the best in the series and my personal favorite of the series.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer, romantic comedy, historical fiction

Rating - 4 stars

Now & Forever - A Review

Published - June 2015, Bethany House Books
Series - Wild at Heart Book 2
Author - Mary Connealy
Title - Now & Forever
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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Matthew Tucker is on his way back up to his cabin in the mountains when he is attacked by a mama grizzly. In order to survive, he jumps off a cliff into a raging river, unintentionally sweeping Shannon Wilde along with him. Fighting through rapids, waterfalls, and caves bonds the pair together in a way that Tucker certainly didn't expect. Especially when they are found five days after having gone missing and Shannon's reputation compromised. The mountain man finds himself married hastily to a young woman with a homestead, a flock of sheep, and more relatives than he cares to have. Forced to recover from his injuries at Shannon's cabin, Tucker soon realizes that someone wants to drive Shannon and her sisters off their land. Yet the culprit didn't count on Shannon having an experienced tracker as her husband. And Tucker gets mad when he is underestimated about those he cares about especially when he's starting to fall in love with his new wife.

I'm really enjoying this series. I love the humor in these  books. And the circumstances that are causing the sisters to cast off their masquerading as men and find love.

Shannon was my favorite in the first book and I was delighted to read her story in this one. Especially learning of what she did during the war. I also enjoyed seeing sparks starting to fly between Bailey and Gage. I know their story is next and I'm excited about it.

Tucker was interesting. I actually found him rather charming really. I wasn't expecting the gruff mountain man to have a soft spot for Shannon's sheep, but he did. And his horse is pretty awesome!

Still the way Tucker and Shannon have yet to figure out to talk to each other is rather annoying. I kept wanting to shake them and force them to talk to each other.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical romance, comedies, Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer.

Rating - 4 stars

Tried & True - A Review

Published - September 2014, Bethany House Books
Series - Wild at Heart Book 1
Author - Mary Connealy
Title - Tried & True
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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Kylie Wilde fought for the Union disguised as a man. She, along with her older sisters, still dress as men in the wild west in order to claim their years of service as an exemption for homesteading. However, she'd much rather dress in skirts and have her hair long. When land agent Aaron Masterson arrives on her claim, he soon discovers that she is in fact a woman. In good conscience, Aaron can't allow for Kylie to live as a man just to claim the exemption. Yet someone wants Kylie's land, whether she is dressed as a man or as a woman. Aaron soon discovers that he will do anything in his power to keep Kylie safe. But will it be enough?

I've long enjoyed Mary Connealy's books. Each one is filled with humor and fun. This one was no different. I loved some of the situations Kylie finds herself in. She falls off a roof into the arms of Aaron. She finds herself put in jail. And others.

Kylie was just fun to read about. I could tell that she loves her family and they her. It'll be fun to read Shannon's story next and see how Matt Tucker and she go together. My prediction for book 3 is that Bailey will find her match in Gage Coulter. But of course, I could be wrong.

Still with this book, the reader is introduced to another fun cast of characters that, thankfully, will be carried over into books 2 and 3.

One of the things that I love the best about Connealy's books is that they are light-hearted. It doesn't take a lot of brain power to read them. And I can truly just sit back and enjoy it. This was the perfect book to read at work on breaks - I didn't start crying like I do with some, and it made me laugh.

Now if only next summer would get here so I can read Shannon's story!

I received this book for free from Bethany House for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer, cowboys, romantic comedies, westerns

Rating - 4 stars