Books! AKA What I've Read Recently

 Hey Y'all!

I actually have a few to share this month, much better than January...

1) -4) This series:

The Hayden Family Series, Jennifer Millikin

While these books are stand alone, it's definitely worth reading the whole series. Each sibling has there own story to tell, and all four are complex, with their own issues, conflict, and resolutions. Each one is a well written character, you can really submerse yourself in the ranch, and surrounding areas. 

While book 3 was probably my favorite, it's hard to believe X is a psychologist, therefore IDK that I'd want her working in that capacity. (Trying not to spoil it, but if you read these, let me know your opinion!)

A bit from each book:

The Patriot-

I'm a soldier.
A cattle rancher.
A Hayden.

My family's legacy is spread out in front of me, just waiting for me to seize it. If it weren't for one outdated rule, I'd be the owner of the Hayden Cattle Company and my aging father could retire.

When Dakota Wright shows up to buy and develop twenty acres of Hayden land, I see more than a pretty mouth and strawberry blonde hair. I see a way around the decree keeping me from getting what I want.

And, as luck would have it, Dakota has a big problem of her own. We strike two deals: one for the land, and a second that'll make both our problems a distant memory.

It isn't too long before I realize I'm in over my head. I've convinced myself the ends should justify the means, but everything begins to fall apart when my birthright is no longer all that I'm after.

I never thought there'd be anything I could love more than my ranch and my country.
I was wrong.

Turns out, I want it all.
Including her.

The Maverick-

I know you’ve heard about me.

The middle Hayden brother, the one whose wife ran off.

I’m not the short-tempered new owner of the Hayden Cattle Company, like my big brother. I’m not the wild stallion with a mystery ax to grind, like my little brother.

I’m Warner Hayden. Single-father, second-in-command of my family’s ranching dynasty, and my steady, secure world is about to get rocked by America’s sweetheart.

I’d heard Tenley Roberts was coming to our small town to film her latest movie, I just didn't think she’d be driving a 1976 Bronco. So, no, I didn't know the identity of the beautiful stranger I helped on the side of the road, but I figured it out a few days later. And I haven't been the same since.

Tenley is unexpectedly funny, and complicated. I’m recently divorced, fearful of the way she makes my heart beat double-time, and gun-shy.

Despite all this, we’re too wrapped up in each other to care.

But then things with Tenley take an unforeseen turn, and everyone assumes I’ll take my licks the way I always have.

Not this time.

Maybe I am the nice, dependable brother.

But I’m also a Hayden, born and bred.

And this bull has horns.

The Outlaw-

There’s a thin line between being a hero and a villain, and I’m well aware I walk right down the middle of it. My reputation precedes me, even when I’m making a bad choice for the right reason. This is how I wind up in the back of a police car late one night.

My infamous last name keeps my record clean, with a single caveat: community service at a ranch recently purchased by Jo Shelton. I think I’d rather go to jail than serve time with the woman who has made it clear she can’t stand me, even though we used to be friends.

Despite the tense atmosphere and how she keeps me at arms’ length, I show up every day, ready to work. Quickly I learn a valuable lesson: while it’s difficult being around someone I don’t like, it’s far more difficult being around someone I find myself intensely attracted to, but cannot have.

Because Jo, the woman who's driving me crazy with her quiet strength and beautiful face, is in a relationship. With a man who, I’d like to point out, is not out there getting his hands dirty on his girlfriend’s ranch. Possession is 9/10th’s of the law, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m currently in possession of Jo’s time and attention.

One day, the unexpected happens. Her blue eyes pierce my callused exterior, seeing deep down into a wound I work hard to hide. It’s in this moment, and so many that follow, that I become certain there’s no hope left for me. I’m in love with Jo, and I’m desperate to show her I’m someone worthy of her love in return.

Lucky for me, nobody rises to the occasion quite like an outlaw.

The Calamity-

I’ve made a mess of things again. Not that anybody is surprised.

After I’m politely asked to withdraw from college for my antics, I return home to my family’s cattle ranch. The sweeping views, the towering pine trees, and the whisper of the wind remind me I belong on this land. My heart is in the alpine air, my soul mixed into the soil. All I’ve ever wanted is to run the ranch alongside my oldest brother, but my family refuses to see me as anything but a walking disaster.

If I’m going to show them what I’m capable of, I have to prove myself. Lucky for me, I’m a Hayden through and through. I’ll dirty my hands in more ways than one.

That includes the man who showed up in town again after all these years. Sawyer Bennett. I’ve heard the stories about his family, and they don’t scare me. Our attraction is undeniable, and the best part? Sawyer looks at me with fresh eyes. When I’m with him, I get to be the woman I’m fighting to become. And I’m learning just how much I want to be that woman.

But then I make the ultimate mistake: I utter the word perfect. I should've known better. There’s nowhere to go but down after that. And down we go, until we hit rock bottom.

Sawyer unearths a long-buried secret, and challenges everything my brothers and I grew up believing. Nobody is surprised I’ve brought disaster to our doorstep again, but it’s not over.

Because when it rains out on the ranch? It pours.

5) Next I continued the Bridgerton series, and this one wasn't my favorite. I feel like we already knew most of what was happening. It's also almost solely from Michaels point of view. I feel like I don't really know Francesca at all... And that doesn't bother me.

When He Was Wicked, Julia Quinn

In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one’s life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.

After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca’s surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer—the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.

But that was then . . . Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love . . . until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets . . .

6) &7) Wildwood Society Romance Series, Roxie Nior

Why it's called that I don't know, it's only mentioned (by name) once or twice across books 1 & 2.

Both of these were good, quick afternoon reads. Easily stand alone books, the first one mentions the friend group, and they get together far more than book 2. I'll save up my Google Play points to get the rest in the series.

I like that the cast of characters each are unique and flawed. They are well written, as is the book series, except the F word gets tossed around far too much to make it remotely impactful. Especially in the character that has a lot of religious trauma. It just doesn't fell like he'd say it that much compared to the way he talks/acts otherwise. It's like the writer couldn't think of a different word, so she just shoves that one in, regardless of if it actually "fits". Still good stories though... A bit steamier than my usual read.

The One Month Boyfriend-

Silas and I agree on one thing, and one thing only: my ruthless, heartless, narcissistic jerk of an ex-fiancé needs to be taken down a notch.

So we do what anyone would do: we pretend to be a couple.

Even though Silas and I are polar opposites. Silas is a loud, cheerful, over the top showboat. He’s his hometown’s golden boy, the Marine who came back to rescue kittens from trees and walk old ladies across the street.

And me? I'm the awkward new girl who freezes up around strangers and can’t make small talk to save my life.

It shouldn’t work. We can barely have a conversation without arguing. There's no way we should be friends, let alone dating, except... Everyone believes it.

Especially my ex.

Now I'm having way too many real fantasies about the man who gets on my last nerve. My fake boyfriend is starting to feel a whole lot like a real one.

The kisses feel real.
The way he protects me feels real.
The night we spend together in a hotel bed feels very real.

This was supposed to be fake, but I think I might have fooled myself most of all.

The Two Week Roommate- 

There are probably worse things than being stuck in a remote cabin with the rugged-yet-grumpy forest ranger who saved my life in a blizzard. Getting mauled by a bear, for example, though I might prefer that to eating breakfast with Gideon Bell, the guy who nearly ruined my life when we were kids.

It was twenty years ago. We haven’t spoken since. Our families still hate each other, and our lives are completely different. I’m not sure we’ve got anything in common besides childhood memories.

But when it’s just the two of us for a couple of weeks, none of that really matters.

What matters is the way Gideon grumbles, but makes my tea exactly the way I like it. What matters is how he always gives me the spot on the couch closest to the fireplace. What matters is how he looks at me when he thinks I’m not paying attention.

And those childhood memories? He’s in all my favorites.

Up here, in the cabin, it’s easy to look past all that because it feels so good to kiss him. It’s easy to spend a wild night in front of the fireplace and wake up still wrapped together. But back in the real world, where everything that drove us apart is still alive and kicking? It’s a lot harder.

Can Gideon and I fix what broke twenty years ago, or does what happens in the cabin have to stay in the cabin?

8) I know I said in a previous blog I wasn't going to read any more of the Deliverance Co books, but I think this one is stand alone enough. Hubby picked it up for me from a local thrift store.

The Sooner The Better, Debbie Macomber

I liked this one more than book one. Overall the story was more interesting, and the main characters far more likable. I won't look for book 2.

She’s stuck with Jack…

Lorraine Dancy has just discovered that everything she believes about her father is a lie—starting with the fact that Thomas supposedly died years ago. Now she’s learned that not only is he not dead, he’s living in a small town south of the border. In the process of tracking him down, she manages to get framed for theft and pursued by the real thief, the police and a local crime boss. Her father’s friend Jack Keller agrees to help her escape, although Lorraine’s reluctant to depend on a man like him.

And he’s stuck with her!

Jack’s every bit the renegade Lorraine thinks he is—an ex-mercenary and former Deliverance Company operative. He’s also the one person who can guide her to safety. But there are stormy waters ahead, including an attraction neither of them wants to feel. An attraction that’s as risky as it is intense—for both of them. The sooner he can get Lorraine home, the better!

8 books this moth was pretty good! What should I read next? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife