Review: "Wine and Her New Year Cowboy" by Donna Michaels

Synopsis:
*Citizen Soldier/Harland County Series crossover novella*

Texas cowboy, Lucas Harper relocates to the Poconos when he’s named guardian of a teenager in the will of a father he didn’t know existed. New job, new Guard unit, new house, and a new sister fills his ‘new’ limit…until he meets his sister’s new boss. A Mr. Wrong magnet, pizza shop owner Evie Martelli decides to go ‘no male’ for the New Year, but the sexy, southern, older brother of her employee tests her resolution.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

Wine and Her New Year Cowboy is the story of Evie and Lucas. After a string of dud dates, Evie has decided to take a break from men - just as Lucas arrives in town. After years of her brother threatening any man in his unit that turns an eye towards Evie, her brother is pushing her towards Lucas. Evie is a sweet character who is giving towards her friends and family.

Lucas is a transplant from Harland County, TX and it was a fun crossover. He's dropped everything to take custody of a sister he didn't know he had. He is typical alpha male and it's fun to watch him fumbling with the early days of parenting a teen. Despite both Evie and Lucas knowing now is not the best time to start a relationship, they nonetheless do. And it follows the typical ups-and-downs of a new relationship with silly misunderstandings getting blown out of proportion and pushing two people away from each other who are just perfect for each other. Its a sweet story set over the holidays with the culmination of a New Year's Eve surprise!!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Links:
Goodreads • Amazon Exclusive

About the Author:
It’s all my mother’s fault.

She read to me before I could read and opened up that magical world where I still reside today. Then came television and movies. Now I had three avenues that fed my imagination...and boy could I eat! As you no doubt figured out, this lead to my writing career. I’m a NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon Bestselling Award winning author. Phew, that was a mouthful! Multi-published in e-book and print with several publishers, I certainly have a ton of voices in my head.

I’m happily married to a military man for 28 years.  We have four children and several rescued cats. Michael’s been in the Army National Guard since before he graduated. The Guard has been a part of our lives right from the start. It was only natural for the military to spill into my writing.  God bless the military and their families. Thank you all for your sacrifices. ♥

You already know my mom inspired my love of reading,but it was my dad who got me hooked on movies. Even now, if I had the time, I could happily go from one movie to another all day long. They are the reason I love mixed genre and why I can’t just stick to just one in my writing, although, as you can tell, I have a soft spot for cowboys and the military.

Well, that’s about it. Thanks for getting to know me a little better. Remember, keep reading to your children. The journey you’re igniting is precious. And the next time you’re at the movies, turn around. I just might be the person sitting behind you. No, not the one throwing popcorn (it’s too expensive to waste). I’m the one already imagining the sequel.

Website: http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

Review: "Wyne and Song" by Donna Michaels

Synopsis:

Single father Ethan Wyne’s trust in women stopped when his cheating wife died while he was deployed. Dating and relationships are in the past. His son is his life now, and he’s proud of the stable home he’s created through hard work, determination, and support. But when a family celebration in NYC leads to a moment of weakness with a vivacious beauty, he’s tempted to rethink his reasoning. Especially when she turns up in the Poconos. Can he take a chance again when more than his heart is at stake?

Phoebe Weston’s temporary gig in a summer production in the Poconos is just what the Broadway star needs to keep busy while awaiting a Hollywood screen test. The magic of the show reawakens her passion for the basics, and her frequent encounters with the handsome, single father of one of her friends awakens something more.

But Ethan’s made it clear he’s not looking for permanent, and for the first time in her life, Phoebe’s not looking for temporary. Maybe what the jaded father’s locked up, guarded heart needs is a little song.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

I love this book. Who doesn't love a sexy soldier - but make him one that is a great dad, too, and I'm hooked. The author weaves a complicated story of two people who need to fight their attraction for each other - they both know that where they are in their lives makes a relationship impossible. Ethan is a great character. I'm always amazed when I read a series with brothers and they are all really distinctive characters - that's a sign that the author has developed a good character. He's intense but wholly committed to his son and wary of women because of his past.

Phoebe is driven. She knows what she wants and what she has to do to get it. She doesn't have any intention of letting anything get in her way. It's like she owes it to her mother for what her mother sacrificed for her. She also knows that means a relationship isn't in the cards for her. She fights against her feelings for Ethan and goes out of her way to avoid putting herself in the way of his temptation. She's honest with him and herself what she wants and what she can't commit to.

But fate has other plans and throws them together over and over until neither of them can fight it. But, that cruel fate also threw roadblock after roadblock in their way and I thought for certain Ethan and Phoebe were through at one point. But both of them found a way to meet in the middle and find a way to achieve their own happily-ever-after.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Links:

Goodreads • Amazon Exclusive 

About the Author:

It’s all my mother’s fault.

She read to me before I could read and opened up that magical world where I still reside today. Then came television and movies. Now I had three avenues that fed my imagination...and boy could I eat! As you no doubt figured out, this lead to my writing career. I’m a NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon Bestselling Award winning author. Phew, that was a mouthful! Multi-published in e-book and print with several publishers, I certainly have a ton of voices in my head.

I’m happily married to a military man for 28 years.  We have four children and several rescued cats. Michael’s been in the Army National Guard since before he graduated. The Guard has been a part of our lives right from the start. It was only natural for the military to spill into my writing.  God bless the military and their families. Thank you all for your sacrifices. ♥

You already know my mom inspired my love of reading,but it was my dad who got me hooked on movies. Even now, if I had the time, I could happily go from one movie to another all day long. They are the reason I love mixed genre and why I can’t just stick to just one in my writing, although, as you can tell, I have a soft spot for cowboys and the military.

Well, that’s about it. Thanks for getting to know me a little better. Remember, keep reading to your children. The journey you’re igniting is precious. And the next time you’re at the movies, turn around. I just might be the person sitting behind you. No, not the one throwing popcorn (it’s too expensive to waste). I’m the one already imagining the sequel.

Website: http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

Review: "Cowboy Payback" by Donna Michaels

Synopsis:

Brett's Story--Finn's twin brother from Cowboy-Sexy/Fiance!

Former Marine Captain Brett Brennan loves a good practical joke—when he’s the prankster not the prankee. Unfortunately, his twin brother has learned a lesson or two from the master and springs Operation Payback on him, thrusting Brett into a fake engagement to his former corporal, Trisha Jennings, in front of her matchmaking, District Attorney father.

Relationships are so not his thing, but realizing Trisha is struggling to come to terms with a horrific incident from their recent deployment, Brett takes matters into his own hands, using their fake relationship to keep her on his family’s resort ranch, the perfect place for her to find peace and heal. After all, he would never let one of his own men down.


Except, Trisha is no longer a corporal under his command. Out of uniform, she is all woman, and his unexpected attraction to her soon has him forgetting their prank relationship is only for show. Who knew payback could be so sweet?

My Review:

I can't say enough good things about Cowboy Payback. This is the story of two former military members, dealing with re-entry from their most recent deployment, leaving the military, and on top of everything else, a fake engagement started by Trisha and kicked into high gear by Finn, Brett's twin brother who is looking for an opportunity for payback for his brother's recent prank.

The author includes an underlying storyline about PTSD. The reader sees aspects of PTSD in Trisha early, and I found it interesting and refreshing that it is the heroine who is experiencing PTSD. The author provides an accurate and sensitive depiction of PTSD, from the nightmares, to the triggers, to zoning out. I love how Brett recognizes the PTSD and immediately sees that as an opportunity to help her. To help her heal. He's not shy about expressing his own needs, saying to her that the ranch and his special place is where he goes to heal. I especially like when Brett brings the therapist to the house to confront Trisha, he explains to Trisha that she's been going to therapy on Wednesdays - that on Wednesdays, "I take care of me". I think that is a great, positive, constructive way to convey therapy to a skeptic.

Brett is a very sensitive character. You wouldn't expect a former Marine to show a sensitive side. His leadership skills in the military come through in his dealings with everyone he encounters. He's just a wonderfully delightful character and a good man. He's caring, sensitive, and considerate, and he figures out early on what he wants and is confident in his pursuit of that - and the object of that pursuit is Trisha.

Trisha is also a great character. Also a former Marine, it's fun to watch her try to change the nature of her relationship with Brett, and her inability to stop calling him "Sir". She is a strong but feminine character, who is also has a take-charge personality and cares about the feelings of those around her. That's why the PTSD hit her so hard - the deep feelings she had been feeling for the people she met during her deployment and their ultimate death. The fog of war causes guilt that is typical of soldiers with PTSD.

A wonderful follow-up to Cowboy-Fiance and a great read from author Donna Michaels.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Links:
Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:

It’s all my mother’s fault.

She read to me before I could read and opened up that magical world where I still reside today. Then came television and movies. Now I had three avenues that fed my imagination...and boy could I eat! As you no doubt figured out, this lead to my writing career. I’m a NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon Bestselling Award winning author. Phew, that was a mouthful! Multi-published in e-book and print with several publishers, I certainly have a ton of voices in my head.

I’m happily married to a military man for 28 years.  We have four children and several rescued cats. Michael’s been in the Army National Guard since before he graduated. The Guard has been a part of our lives right from the start. It was only natural for the military to spill into my writing.  God bless the military and their families. Thank you all for your sacrifices. ♥

You already know my mom inspired my love of reading,but it was my dad who got me hooked on movies. Even now, if I had the time, I could happily go from one movie to another all day long. They are the reason I love mixed genre and why I can’t just stick to just one in my writing, although, as you can tell, I have a soft spot for cowboys and the military.

Well, that’s about it. Thanks for getting to know me a little better. Remember, keep reading to your children. The journey you’re igniting is precious. And the next time you’re at the movies, turn around. I just might be the person sitting behind you. No, not the one throwing popcorn (it’s too expensive to waste). I’m the one already imagining the sequel.

Website: http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

Review: "Her Volunteer Cowboy" (part of the 12-Alarm Cowboys box set) by Donna Michaels (Harland County)

Synopsis:
Sparks reignite when one-nighters reunite. Can the firefighter/Guardsman convince the reforming bad girl she’s worth fighting for, or will she leave before he finds the courage to volunteer his heart?

Cowboy Tanner Hathaway, part time firefighter and National Guardsman, is great at volunteering his time, never his heart, but when his Pocono one-nighter shows up in Texas to help a friend, sparks ignite a flame neither of them expect. Can the county’s bad boy, convinced the reforming bad girl she’s worth fighting for, or will she leave before he has the courage to volunteer his heart?

My Review:

I always love coming back to Harland County, TX! Donna Michaels has introduced us to yet another wonderful, alpha, military, cowboy hero in Tanner. And add in a firefighter to boot. This guy is just about the perfect alpha hero. He even takes special care of an older man - his mentor - as his health is failing. It's hard to believe that with all of that going for him that he hasn't been snatched up yet. But perhaps he'd just been waiting for the right woman - and has likely found her in Gwen.

We met Gwen briefly in a previous book and she's a nice tie-in to the author's Citizen Soldier series (the Wynes). She's in town to help out while we meet the next generation of Harland County - the birth of Jordan's baby. We the reader discover early that Gwen and Tanner had met before and the heat they exuded in the Poconos has traveled clear down to Harland County, because the sparks between Gwen and Tanner are flying.

I liked how Gwen and Tanner both have some emotional baggage holding them back - Gwen with her years as a model and behaviors she's reformed, and the impact of those behaviors that she's still feeling. Tanner, who seems to be the one who is always helping, always volunteering, is struggling with his mentor declining due to Altzhimers. The two have some hiccups in their road to happily ever after, especially when Tanner lets his anger get the best of him. But, they are both good communicators and are quick to realize what they were to each other.

The author provides a very sensitive look into life with a person with Alzhimers and the emotional impact it has on the patient as well as those around him. I thought it was very tastefully done and gives me a look into those living with the disease.

One thing I really liked about this book is how the author transitions from one point of view to the other. In many books, you'll be hearing from one point of view and then they'll be a break - a chapter break or a section break - and then it'll be the other character's point of view. In this book, a scene will progress and all of a sudden, as the reader, I would realize I was hearing from the other character and I didn't realize it. I thought the best example of that is when Gwen was talking to her girlfriends in the ice cream shop, talking about men of course, and the men walk in. They join the conversation and almost immediately she's able to shift to Tanner's point of view. It was so seamless that I had to go back and find where it changed. I thought it was fantastic.

Links:

Goodreads

Her Volunteer Cowboy is currently available as part of the 12-Alarm Cowboys Box Set

Goodreads • Amazon • Barnes and Noble • Kobo • iBooks

About the Author:

It’s all my mother’s fault.

She read to me before I could read and opened up that magical world where I still reside today. Then came television and movies. Now I had three avenues that fed my imagination...and boy could I eat! As you no doubt figured out, this lead to my writing career. I’m a NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon Bestselling Award winning author. Phew, that was a mouthful! Multi-published in e-book and print with several publishers, I certainly have a ton of voices in my head.

I’m happily married to a military man for 28 years.  We have four children and several rescued cats. Michael’s been in the Army National Guard since before he graduated. The Guard has been a part of our lives right from the start. It was only natural for the military to spill into my writing.  God bless the military and their families. Thank you all for your sacrifices. ♥

You already know my mom inspired my love of reading,but it was my dad who got me hooked on movies. Even now, if I had the time, I could happily go from one movie to another all day long. They are the reason I love mixed genre and why I can’t just stick to just one in my writing, although, as you can tell, I have a soft spot for cowboys and the military.

Well, that’s about it. Thanks for getting to know me a little better. Remember, keep reading to your children. The journey you’re igniting is precious. And the next time you’re at the movies, turn around. I just might be the person sitting behind you. No, not the one throwing popcorn (it’s too expensive to waste). I’m the one already imagining the sequel.

Website: http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

Review and GIVEAWAY!! "Her Healing Cowboy" by Donna Michaels

Synopsis:

Holly’s stay in Harland County Texas is limited. She’s only there to help run her uncle’s ice cream business while he recuperates from an operation. Her home is in Colorado. Her life is in Denver. Her dream job is in Denver but won’t be if she doesn’t get back before her leave of absence runs out. Everybody knows this, but apparently her heart and body didn’t get the memo because they spark to life whenever her uncle’s smoking, hot doctor is around.

Doctor Jace Turner has one goal: Join Doctors Without Borders. Ever since his father was in a car accident and became HIV Positive from a blood transfusion, Jace set his sights on the organization and plans to join, once his contract is up with the Texas National Guard. The last thing he needs is the crazy attraction he feels toward the beauty from Colorado.

The cowboy isn’t looking for a relationship. She isn’t staying. Perfect set up for a fling. What harm could there be?

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

Welcome back to Harland County. Her Healing Cowboy brings us back and introduces us to two great new characters - Holly and Jace. While this is definitely Holly and Jace's story, I really enjoyed how other characters from previous Harland County books make appearances - its nice to see how they're doing!  Her Healing Cowboy is a quick read. The dialog flows smoothly and the story is easy to follow. The author tells a fun story of two people who both see their relationship as short-term, and both find themselves shocked when they feel otherwise. Both characters are strong characters and extremely committed to their family obligations and that makes them well suited for each other.

There is a good balance of intimacy, seriousness, and laughter in Her Healing Cowboy. I liked that Jace and Holly were "adults" - their actions were mature and the language patterns and dialog were mature. The sex scenes are definitely explicit but I didn't feel they overwhelmed the story. And I found myself laughing out loud at times. Without giving away too much, can I just say "big, strong cowboy with sympathy symptoms" - enough said! In general, the book was well written and did a good job of conveying the characters thoughts and feelings through dialog and prose.  One of my favorite passages in the book is:

"He only knew he liked looking at her, liked touching her, liked being with her.  She made him feel good.  Happy.  And it had been so long since he'd been happy"

This is a nice romantic story of two people who start a "casual" relationship with an end date and both realize they want more. Each struggles with transitioning their relationship and what may have to happen in order for each of them to pursue their dreams - and each other. How they stop - and start again - is a surprising but delightful story twist, and the ultimate solution which enables them to have their "happily ever after" made my heart swell.  What a neat way to end - or begin - Jace's and Holly's story.

Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

Links:
Goodreads - Amazon 

About the Author:

It’s all my mother’s fault.

She read to me before I could read and opened up that magical world where I still reside today. Then came television and movies. Now I had three avenues that fed my imagination...and boy could I eat! As you no doubt figured out, this lead to my writing career. I’m a NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon Bestselling Award winning author. Phew, that was a mouthful! Multi-published in e-book and print with several publishers, I certainly have a ton of voices in my head.

I’m happily married to a military man for 28 years.  We have four children and several rescued cats. Michael’s been in the Army National Guard since before he graduated. The Guard has been a part of our lives right from the start. It was only natural for the military to spill into my writing.  God bless the military and their families. Thank you all for your sacrifices. ♥

You already know my mom inspired my love of reading,but it was my dad who got me hooked on movies. Even now, if I had the time, I could happily go from one movie to another all day long. They are the reason I love mixed genre and why I can’t just stick to just one in my writing, although, as you can tell, I have a soft spot for cowboys and the military.


Well, that’s about it. Thanks for getting to know me a little better. Remember, keep reading to your children. The journey you’re igniting is precious. And the next time you’re at the movies, turn around. I just might be the person sitting behind you. No, not the one throwing popcorn (it’s too expensive to waste). I’m the one already imagining the sequel.

Website: http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/

Giveaway:

In honor of the newest release in the Harland County series, I'm offering a free copy of Her Healing Cowboy to one winner!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Wyne and Chocolate" by Donna Michaels

Jill is a chocoholic with a big heart, a flair for baking and confection, and a knack for getting into predicaments, including the one where she was almost financially ruined by her ex. Now she’s in a new town, with a new business, and is determined to stay away from trouble. Especially, the gorgeous guardsman with the haunted gaze, brooding expression and miserable attitude. Her days of helping people were over. She was tired of being taken advantage of and was looking forward to getting back on her feet. Too bad her new business venture puts her in daily contact with the sexy man. 

My review:

The Citizen Soldier series has a fantastic new addition with Wyne and Chocolate.  The book had a great start.  I found myself laughing out loud right away - and that set the tone for a light-hearted, funny, and romantic read. I really enjoyed how the author described Jill, especially from Mason's point of view.  He comes across as a thoughtful man, and I was actually able to picture Jill in my mind from the description Mason gives us!

As we begin to get to know Jill, the author describes the struggles Jill has faced and how that makes her wary of getting involved with men.  At the beginning of the book, Jill is struggling on the road, literally having an accident due to potholes in the road during a storm.  As she begins to develop feelings for Mason, the author draws parallels between potholes in the road, and potholes in Jill's life, indicating that, "He [Mason] was the biggest one.  If she fell in, Jill knew instinctively she wouldn't get out".  I LOVED that analogy and it really summarized how Jill was feeling as she began to fall in love with Mason. Jill may have been burned in her previous relationship, but she still has an air of innocence that is sweet to see.

I've read a LOT of romance books, and Wyne and Chocolate has one of the best first kisses that I have read.  Mason drops Jill at home and with confidence, chooses to kiss her. The way the author wrote the kiss made my heart go a-flutter!

Mason and Jill have a fun relationship.  She is like a lovable klutz and he is confident but not cocky. They begin to get to know each other through fun and laughs, so there isn't a lot of pressure on them.  While their feelings are growing, the feelings don't feel overly intense and they are allowed to develop at their own rate.  Mason may be quick to assume, due to his past relationships, but he is also quick to discuss and admit his feelings and biases, and it makes for an open and honest relationship.  Jill needs that because in her experience, everyone leaves her and she spends most of the book waiting for that to happen.  In the end, it was Mason's show of faith in Jill that helped them overcome their worst challenge and head towards their happily every after.  

Disclosure: I received an free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads - Amazon