Category: Book Review

a longtime crush, Book Review, janette rallison

Book Review: A Longtime (and at one point illegal) Crush by Janette Rallison

Kathryn Cooper

Title: A Longtime (and at one point illegal) Crush
Author: Janette Rallison
Publisher: self
Release Date: February 2013
Pages: 62
Series: none
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

From the day Elsie’s older brother brought his friend Kye McBride over to their house, Elsie adored him. When she was eight, she secretly blew kisses to him. When she was twelve, she sat on the stairs unnoticed and watched him escort another girl to prom. When she was a senior in high school, she walked into math class and found out he was her new math teacher.

With that much emotion fueling her, things were bound to go wrong. And they did. Elsie not only spent the last two weeks of school avoiding him, she turned avoiding-Kye-at-all-costs into her life-long philosophy.

Now three years have passed and Elsie has come home for her brother’s wedding. She’s got to face Kye-–hopefully without getting crushed again.

My Thoughts:
Oh sigh, Janette Rallison can do no wrong. I love her books! She writes the best embarrassing moments. This one was painfully embarrassing and made me cringe . . . and laugh. Great great stuff. This was the first book by Janette I’ve read with an older Main Character. The other books I’ve read were teenagers. Elsie was in college and so probably early twenties, but she does flashback to her high school days too.

This is a must read for anyone who wants a sweet romance with a good laugh. Seriously, the girl was in love with her math teacher who happened to be her brother’s best friend. Classic. I loved every minute of this read! I just wished it was longer! This was a novella so only 62 pages of blissfully fun reading.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: very mild ( a few punches )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!
[ Amazon ]

Other Books By Janette Rallison (most are teen fiction)

a mckaslin homecoming, Book Review, jillian hart

Book Review: A McKaslin Homecoming by Jillian Hart

Kathryn Cooper

Title: A McKaslin Homecoming
Author: Jillian Hart
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Release Date: July 2007
Pages: 310
Series: The McKaslin Clan Series 3 #5
3 STARS: I Liked It

When contacted by her long-lost grandmother, Lauren McKaslin wanted to reconnect – with all the warmhearted Montana McKaslins. For too long, she’d relied solely on herself and her faith. But mistrustful lawman Caleb Stone stood in the way, and his questions about her were intimidating. Was his attention more than a protective instinct? Now that she believed in family again, perhaps this was also the time to believe in true love.

My Thoughts:
A McKaslin Homecoming was a sweet love story about new love and family. Lauren was taken from her family when she was 2 years old by her mother. Her mother left behind her husband and 3 children to get out of the small town and try to become famous. Her childhood was rocky and full of mistrust. She couldn’t rely on her mom and thought her family didn’t want her.

Now she was older (I think 19 or 20) and was invited to meet her grandmother. After many years she gets to know her family. It was interesting to see how the family reacted to her homecoming. The sisters were a fun crew for sure. Caleb was the neighbor and family friend Lauren met first. Their relationship was cute.

The thing that bothered me was that things went along too easily without enough conflict. I also wanted more at the end. But overall it was a sweet and fast read I think romance lovers would enjoy.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: none

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

Other Books By Jillian Hart

Book Review, finding her way home, linda goodnight

Book Review: Finding Her Way Home by Linda Goodnight

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Finding Her Way Home
Author: Linda Goodnight
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Release Date: December 2009
Pages: 211
Series: Redemption River #1
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

Welcome To Redemption, OklahomaThe idyllic little town Cheyenne Rhodes has chosen for her fresh start is almost “too” welcoming. After all, she’s come here to hide from her past–not to make new friends.

But single dad Trace Bowman isn’t about to let Cheyenne hide away her heart. He can’t ignore the special way she has with his daughter, Zoey– or how she’s reminded him of the power of real love. Now he needs to convince Cheyenne that Redemption is more than a place to hide–it’s also a way to be found….

My Thoughts:
This was a beautiful and deeply emotional book. Cheyenne was a victim of rape. The violent and brutal act was talked about in past tense without a lot of detail. I get attached and live through the characters I read so I don’t like to read about rape because of the paranoia that comes with that knowledge. The author did a great job expressing the feelings of a woman who had been raped. Above the violence and trauma it was a story of hope and healing through God and faith.

Cheyenne was a tough woman who’d been a police officer before she moved away and found Redemption, Oklahoma. She soon met the local vet and single dad Trace. Trace was charming and kind and patient. Cheyenne first loved his daughter Zoey who was blind yet confident and joyful.

Finding Her Way Home was so heartwarming to read. I loved it! I think anyone who loves a romance full of deep emotion will love this book.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( not detailed recollection of rape, abuse of a wife )

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Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

Other Books By Linda Goodnight

Book Review, linda goodnight, the wedding garden

Book Review: The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Wedding Garden
Author: Linda Goodnight
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Release Date: April 2010
Pages: 214
Series: Redemption River #2
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

“Are You My Dad?”The young boy’s question shocks Sloan Hawkins. Until Sloan realizes he “is” this child’s father. Years ago, the former bad boy was run out of Redemption, Oklahoma, where, ironically, he was thought unredeemable. The only people who believed in him were his beloved aunt and Annie Markham, the girl he loved and left behind. Now Sloan is back to face his past and help keep his aunt’s cherished garden thriving. But when he discovers his secret child–and that single mother Annie never stopped loving him– he’s determined that a wedding will take place in the garden nurtured by faith and love.

My Thoughts:
I loved this story!!! It had it all- romance, family, suspense, mystery. It wasn’t fast paced but a truly enjoyable read.

Sloan had left the town of Redemption long ago thinking it was for the best not knowing he’d left a son behind. Now he was back to see his dying aunt, the only family he had. Annie was the girl he thought he wasn’t good enough for and now she was his aunt’s at-home nurse. Annie and Sloan had to spend a lot of time around each other as Annie cared for his aunt.

I loved watching the story unfold. I think what made me love this story so much was because I loved the characters. Sloan and Annie had their own challenges and past heartaches that made me want them to find happiness.

This was a wonderful romance and story of Redemption. I cried and laughed, was happy and heartbroken. A fantastic read!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: very mild ( threatened with a gun, talk of passed murder )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

Other Books By Linda Goodnight

Book Review, linda goodnight, the lawman's christmas

Book Review: The Lawman’s Christmas Wish by Linda Goodnight

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Lawman’s Christmas Wish
Author: Linda Goodnight
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Release Date: November 2010
Pages: 281
Series: Alaskan Bride Rush #6
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Widow Amy James can’t get through grocery shopping in Treasure Creek, Alaska, without a marriage proposal. And she’s hardly flattered. Most of her “suitors” are after the treasure her great-grandfather had buried on her property. But only “one” man promised her late husband he’d take care of her and the boys: police chief Reed Truscott. True, Reed is handsome and honest and makes her feel safe. But his honorable marriage proposal is about “obligation”–not love. Unless he can convince her that his Christmas wish is to join her family forever.

My Thoughts:
This was such a fun read to snuggle up with during a cold night. It doesn’t have to be Christmas to read it.

Amy and Reed were great characters. I loved Amy’s independence and love for her two boys. Reed was a hard worker and true friend. When Amy’s husband died Reed had promised he would take care of Amy. His first proposals didn’t go so well since Amy had no desire to marry someone out of obligation or because she couldn’t live alone. They struggled to understand each other.

A great addition to the story was the suspense. Pretty quickly Amy’s life and family are in danger because of her great grandfather’s treasure. Of course Reed wants to protect her, but Amy’s proud and a fighter.

I enjoyed The Lawman’s Christmas Wish, full of developing romance, suspense, and Christmas joy.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( kidnapping, someone shot, blood )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

Other Books By Linda Goodnight

Book Review, jillian hart, the rancher's promise

Book Review: The Rancher’s Promise by Jillian Hart

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Rancher’s Promise
Author: Jillian Hart
Publisher: Steeple Hill Love Inspired
Release Date: June 2010
Pages: 278
Series: Granger Family Ranch #3
3 STARS: I Liked It

Rancher Justin Granger hasn’t seen his high school sweetheart since she rode out of town with his heart. Now, “too good for this small town” Rori Cornell stands on his doorstep, seeking a job as his cook and housekeeper. He can’t turn her away, not with the sadness and worry in her cornflower-blue eyes. He’ll just have to avoid her between meals. But when Justin discovers that Rori’s big dream has always been “him, ” he finds his heart softening. And an old promise yearning to be kept.

My Thoughts:
This was a really sweet love story. I loved learning about Rori and Justin’s as their past together and apart came out through the story. Rori had left Justin and the farm life to go to college. Rori had gotten married and was now back in Justin’s life after a rough divorce. The characters were great with a fun peek into the life of a rancher. I didn’t know cows could show affection!

The only thing that bothered me was the change in Point of View. The POV changed without any break which left me confused and having to re-read paragraphs. Sometimes the switch would happen at a chapter, but other times it was the next sentence. Other than that it was a nice romance.

If you’re looking for a sweet love story about second chances then you’ll enjoy this book.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: none

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

Other Books By Jillian Hart

Book Review, marcia lynn mcclure, shackles of honor

Book Review: Shackles of Honor by Marcia Lynn McClure

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Shackles of Honor
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Publisher: Distractions Inc.
Release Date: April 4, 2012 (1st pub in 1998)
Pages: 323
Series: none
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Cassidy Shea’s life was nothing if not serene. Loving parents and a doting brother provided happiness and innocent hope as life’s experience. Yes-life was blissful at Cassidy’s beloved home, Terrill. Still, for all Terrill’s beauty and tranquility, ever there was something intangible and evasive lurking in the shadows. And though Cassidy wasted little worry on it, still she sensed its existence-looming as a menacing fate bent on ruin. And when a dark stranger appeared, Cassidy could no longer ignore the ominous whispers of the secrets surrounding her. Mason Carlisle, an angry, unpredictable man, materialized-with Cassidy’s black fate at his heels. Thus, thrust into a world completely unknown to her, Cassidy found herself trapped, wandering in a labyrinth of mystery and concealments. Serenity was vanquished-and with it her dreams. Yet were the secrets-so cautiously kept from Cassidy-were they indeed the cloth, the very flax from which her dreams were spun, from which eternal bliss would be woven?

My Thoughts:
Oh boy this was another great romance. Shackles of Honor was full of unknown love, passion, hurt, mystery, and heartache. Cassidy was betrothed to Mason without her knowledge until the day he came to take her away. They seemed to despise each other at first.

This read was full of romance. I didn’t like the extreme frustration I felt because of the characters most of the book. I just wanted it to conclude I was so frustrated. Also there was some really passionate scenes. I was never worried they would go too far, but the characters were lacking a certain honesty at the time that I can’t go into and ruin the read for you.

A great romance I think any romance lover will enjoy.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild/moderate ( kissing, necking, sleeping in bed together- no sex )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( attacks and death )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

More Books By Marcia Lynn McClure

Book Review, marcia lynn mcclure, the mccall trilogy

Book Review: The McCall Trilogy by Marcia Lynn McClure

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The McCall Trilogy (The Foundling, To Echo the Past, An Old-Fashioned Romance)
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Publisher: unknown
Release Date:
Pages:
Series: McCall #1-3
5 STARS: I LOVED THEM!!!

Journey through generations of adventure and romance as three Marcia Lynn McClure favorites blend perfectly in The McCall Trilogy! The roundup begins with The Foundling (formerly released as Desert Fire). She opened her eyes and beheld, for the first time, the face of Jackson McCall… Posse up with the next generation of McCall heroes in To Echo the Past. Stripped of her heart’s hopes and dreams, she knew true loneliness—until an ordinary day revealed a heavenly oasis in the desert—Michael McCall… And finally, ride away to dreams come true with a modern-day McCall heroine in An Old-Fashioned Romance. Life went along simply, if not rather monotonously, for Breck McCall. She longed for something—something that seemed to be missing.

My Thoughts:
I love Marcia’s books. Romance books set in the ‘Ole West are so fun to read. Ah! It was so romantic!! I read the first 2 books because I’d already read book 3. If you like old fashioned books where the man is handsome and protects the woman he loves, and the woman is sweet but spunky then you’ll love these books. These are perfect to read during the month of love. 🙂

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( some fighting and injuries )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

More Books By Marcia Lynn McClure:

ally carter, Book Review, double-crossed

Book Review: Double Crossed by Ally Carter

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Double Crossed
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: January 2013
Pages: 60
Series: Heist Society #2.5
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?

W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?

There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.

Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.

When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help?

The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new story. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists.

My Thoughts:
This was a fun and quick read (novella-60 pages). I loved seeing Ally Carter’s two book series collide in this novella. Hale is my favorite character in the Heist Society series so that was really fun to see more of him. Macey is cool under pressure and –oh yeah– a teenage spy in training! So yeah she’s fun to read in action too.

An entertaining read full of action that got me exited for the release of the newest book in the Heist Society series, Perfect Scoundrel. Double Crossed free on Amazon so go get it now! Only as an eBook so if you don’t have an eReader download a version of an eReader to your computer or read the book straight from Ally Carter’s website. CLICK HERE.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: none
Language: none
Violence: very mild ( some tense moments with hostages )
review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

Buy it!
[ Amazon ]

Other Books By Ally Carter  (Click cover to view on Amazon)

Book Review, Michelle Madow, timeless

Book Review: Timeless by Michelle Madow

Kathryn Cooper

THIS IS THE 3RD BOOK IN THE SERIES!
Book 1: Remembrance ( My Review )
Book 2: Vengeance ( My Review )

Title: Timeless
Author: Michelle Madow
Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing
Release Date: November 2012
Pages: 230
Series: Transcend Time Saga #3
4 Stars: I Really Liked It

IT’S A RACE AGAINST TIME.

In Remembrance, Lizzie and Drew changed the course of fate so they could be together.

In Vengeance, Chelsea set fate back on its original, deadly path.

Now, strange things keep happening to Lizzie. Things that are omens of darkness to come. A curse has doomed her to die an early death, just as she did in her past life. To make things worse, even if she can figure out who cast the curse, it’s irreversible. There’s only one option left for her to save herself. It’s crazier than anything she’s heard yet, and to do it, she’ll need Drew and Chelsea’s help.

Because to make things right, they must go back to when it all began …

My Thoughts:
This was a great end to a fantastic love story! I love these characters- Drew, Lizzie, and Chelsea are each unique, and I wanted to see how things would turn out for them.

The time travel twist in this book was great because I love historical fiction. It was fun to see the three main characters go back in time and dress up for balls and try to act all Regency. Loved it!

The story was sweet, romantic, entertaining, and suspenseful, an all-around great read! If you haven’t read Remembrance (book 1) you really need to.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: very mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: none

I received an ebook ARC from Michelle Madow. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

Other Books By Michelle Madow  (Click cover to view on Amazon)