The Bull Rider's Brother (by Lynn Cahoon)

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The Bull Rider's Brother rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Release Date:  June 28, 2012

How are the sex scenes? 

Romantic. There wasn’t an abundance of sex scenes - just one night where they got together. 

Nothing that would embarrass you when discussing the book. 

How are the story lines? 

Romantic with some angst mixed in. I thought the back story could have been discussed in more detail to help with the character development. Maybe have more detailed flash back scenes? 

Would you read it again? 

Probably not. 

Summary

The Bull Rider’s Brother tells the story of Lizzie Hudson, a single mother living in a rodeo town. Her first love, James Sullivan comes back into town with his bull riding brother Jesse. Lizzie and James broke up right after high school because James chose to follow Jesse in the rodeo circuit, an act meant to protect his brother from making mistakes in life. James returns to town hoping to make things right with Lizzie after six years of being gone without communication.

Review 

The Bull Rider’s Brother by Lynn Cahoon is a contemporary western romance set in modern day Shawnee, Texas. (Though the author never mentioned it was Texas.)

This story is a decent read. There is just enough angst to keep you interested and enough mystery in how the characters hide a secret that everyone seems to know except James. The character development could use more details. I wasn't hooked immediately until 1/4 of the story was over. I found myself being angry with Lizzie for holding her secret from James. The diner scene where he poured out his heart without any response from her was a little frustrating. However after she finally admits her reason for holding back her feelings (and why she’s keeping a secret) it’s easier to understand.

The details regarding the previous time they spent away from each other wasn’t enough. More flashback memories in the beginning (when she first sees James again) might have added to the character development. Adding more memories might have made the reader feel more of the emotion behind their relationship. It was difficult believing Lizzie wanted James to be part of her life but didn’t know how to do it after so long. After the third chapter, I started to see more within her emotions and began liking her character.

The story picks up and becomes more interesting once you understand the reason behind why Lizzie and James separated. I did enjoy the book once the characters explained their past actions and a secret was revealed. I think at least one more love scene might have added to the believability of the love connection between the characters. For me, there’s not enough potential romantic moments or love scenes.

I would have like to have seen more “almost” moments with touching or even kissing before it goes too far.

Overall the book has a decent story and gave me my happily ever after.

For more information about Lyn Cahoon and her upcoming titles please visit her webpage, Facebook or Twitter.

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Published by Crimson Romance

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review

ARC received from the author

Logan's Redemption (by Cara Marsi)

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Logan's Redemption rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Release date: August 24, 2010

How are the sex scenes?

The sex scenes are electric. The sexual tension is so well prepared, that the reader is well and truly primed for the sizzling, sexual ride once it occurs.

 

How are the story lines?

The storylines are believable, not terribly intense, but with enough suspense and heat to keep your attention.

Would you read it again?

Yes, Logan is hot and there will be a sequel!

Summary

In this book, the hero and heroine have guarded secrets and both have damaged, untrusting hearts.  

'The Callahan Princess', 32 year old, Doriana Callahan is a strong, intelligent and confident woman, who was forced to forgo her dreams of becoming an architect.  

The Hero, Logan Tanner, is a self-employed security firm manager, powerful, sensual, secretive and sexy! (Have you seen the cover?! One hot combination.) Logan oozes strength, virility and mystery.  

For Logan, years of rejection and brutality from his father and guilt from perceived past betrayal has hardened him.  Despite recognizing his yearning for love, family and fulfillment to replace his isolated existence, he keeps himself aloof, distant and controlled.  

Both Doriana and Logan believe confidently that their history as teenage lovers should remain just that: history. However, being suddenly thrown together by her father's business troubles, that theory is about to be tested.

Review

In many ways, Logan’s Redemption is a predictable story.  Yet author Cara Marsi manages to maintain tension; both storyline and sexual. Her characters are believable and love scenes delicious. The length is perfect for the story it tells.

 Logan became Dan Callahan's hired investigator attempting to identify a saboteur to Callahan Construction. Hired by her father, Doriana is not aware of his true vocation, a secret Logan is forced to maintain. As Logan crashes into Doriana's world, her carefully maintained cool facade begins to crumble. Logan is very aware of her attraction to him and feels the same intense desire. Eventually, neither can resist the pull. 

"His body and soul burned for her."

For sixteen years Doriana has kept her teenage love for Logan resulting in her pregnancy with Josh a secret. She had also created an impenetrable wall to hide behind, shielding her from emotional intimacy with any other man. She knows the heights of pleasure Logan can take her to and that the intensity of his kisses can set her on fire.

 As the story progresses and suspense mounts, with danger lurking closely, the emotional and physical barriers between Doriana and Logan slowly collapse. Despite guarding their hearts, they both privately acknowledge that they had found the one who could alleviate the aching loneliness of their souls. 

Aptly written however, “…..their unresolved issues hung over them like a vengeful enemy ready to snatch their happiness”.

 Logan, a wonderfully sensuous, thoughtful, downright sexy man and Doriana, with her tempting beauty, intelligence and loyalty, make a believable and striking pair. Their ravenous passion, once we get there, is incredible and sizzling.

"He plundered her mouth with his tongue. She scraped her nails across his back and met every thrust of his tongue and hard penis. Her female heat, moist and slick, wrapped around him, claiming him.....The fire and fury of their passion spiraled them into a private paradise that she never wanted to end."  

Hmmm!

Logan's Redemption is so nicely written that the reader will be interested and invested the whole way through. Interaction between characters is at times a little unbelievable and simplistic, but with the mystery, suspense, and some steamy sexual scenes, the book is successful in its provision of a quick, enjoyable read. 

There is no great surprise to the ending, but that is okay. I'd recommend this book to anyone, especially those who crave a bit of saucy, a light suspense and their beloved Happily Ever After! Looking forward to the sequel.

Learn more about Cara Marsi on her website or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Published by Carolyn Matkowsky

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review.  

ARC received via the author.