Done and Dusted review

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage is definitely a book that I might have waited to read, but surprised me after all.

For starters, I was questioning why this book was so popular until I got about fifty to sixty percent through the book. Then it really hooked me in. I was enjoying the story but I kept wanting more. Then I got it! Whew!

Done and Dusted focuses on Clementine “Emmy” Ryder. She is secure in herself as an independent woman whose life has been nothing but ranching and barrel racing. One freak accident and she is questioning her whole life. She rushes home to get herself together and to figure out who she is now. Seeing Luke Brooks for the first time, especially for who he really is, despite knowing him for most of her life, is exactly what she didn't need and absolutely what she needed all at the same time. I resonated with these characters in ways I didn't expect which is probably what got me through the slow parts of this book. I've been in her shoes in a way and I have definitely met a Luke. 

Luke Brooks is the book boyfriend that is now high on my list. And not just because he wears a lot of cutoff shirts. He tries to just be friends with Emmy since he has been friends with her brothers for years. Once he realizes he has to have more, there's no holds barred. Even if he has to hide in the bathroom temporarily. 

Despite being a slow book, I highly recommend this book. This is one of the first books that I have read in a long time that once I got over the slow parts I could not put down and lost sleep because of. I had to finish it.

Done and Dusted is perfect for readers of small town romance, cowboy romance, close proximity romance,and second chance romance. 

I am glad I finally was able to read it through Libby with my library cards. I have already put a hold on the next book in this series. 

Happy Chaos thoughts

Happy Chaos by Soleil Moon Frye is the parenting and life book that I didn't realize I needed. 

This book was geared toward parents with older children as more of a reflection and memoir. As a mom of an almost 3- month- old, however, it helped me. I was able to realize I needed to live in the moment more and not sweat the small stuff. The moments I get during wake cycles are most important right now to build the relationship that I want through the tougher times, such as the school age and teenage years. Soleil Moon Frye also stressed through real-life examples of letting your children be themselves, individuality, and openness even when it isn't the most comfortable. 

Never in my life would I think I would be getting parenting advice from Punky Brewster, but the way she brought up the topics, was able to laugh at herself and reflect upon her upbringing, and keep it all real at the same time was exactly what I needed. 

I never expect her to stumble upon these thoughts and slight review but if I could I would love to pick her brain and ask more questions. 

I am thankful I found this book through Libby using one of my many library cards. Even if I had to check it out at least twice after I started reading it. 

Redemption in Misty Mountain ARC Review

Redemption in Misty Mountain by Elsie James is what I just finished reading. This is technically the second book in the Misty Mountain series but I don't feel like I missed anything reading it out of order. Elsie James did it again with another quick read and happy-ever-after ending that I didn't realize that I wanted.

Redemption in Misty Mountain focuses on Rosalie and Dawson, a set of exes given an unexpected second chance. Dawson is now ex-Navy and financially secure. He has different priorities than he did years ago when they were first married. Rosalie, on the other hand, has already lived a life and finally gets a chance to follow her sister to Texas, after being in Colorado for some time taking care of family. One last snowstorm in Colorado brings these two back together and changes both of their lives. 

“It's one long, disoriented heartbeat where the world tilts and everything feels upside down.” 

Dawson proves that he is now in it for the long haul. Both of their surprises give this story the happy ending I didn't think I wanted. Elsie James also ends this story for a chance at a second one with this couple or a chance to focus on Rosalie’s sister for another story. Either way, I can't wait to read them.

“I hesitate just long enough for my pulse to hammer against my ribs. Then I close the space between us. And when our mouths meet, it's earth-shattering.”

I recommend giving Redemption in Misty Mountain a read, as well as any Elsie James writing you can get your hands on.

Thank you to Elsie James and Instalove Influencers for this opportunity to review.

Ride Me Cowboy's Fake Relationship ARC review

 

Ride Me Cowboy's Fake Relationship by Elsie James, the second short novel from the Kingridge Ranch series, continues on telling the story of the ranch and the Kingridge brothers. 

The focus on this second story is on Bowen Kingridge, the operations manager of the ranch. He is already a protective person, even before Priya Pratt and eventually the Southern Knights NFL team show up to the Kingridge Ranch. 

“being with a real man made me into a real woman” 

Priya Pratt turns his world upside down in all the good ways. She comes to the ranch as a marketing professional and eventually becomes so much more. She is often more shy in person than when she is in marketing business mode. The fact that her father owns the Southern Knights team and that her ex fiance is on that team as well accelerates the potential of the relationship of Priya and Bowen. 

“a need clawing at my insides”

As always promised with an Elsie James writing, there is a happy ever after that leaves you wanting more. I can't wait until the next one comes out in this series. 

Thank you to Instalove Influencers and Elsie James for this advanced reader copy. Sorry it took a few extra days for this review.... I have a newborn! I had to put down the e-book occasionally. 

Rope Me, Cowboy's Single Mom by Elsie James ARC Review

Rope Me, Cowboy's Single Mom by Elsie James is very similar to her other books I have read but she's added a few great modern changes. As always, Elsie James has given us a happy ever after and left us wanting more. 

This second-chance romance introduces the audience to Cassidy and Alex. Cassidy was once the babysitter for Alex and his brothers. Cassidy has always been the one for Alex, whether either one of them realized it back then or in the beginning of now or not. These two must go through challenges together and separate to come back together stronger than they can realize. 

Rope Me, Cowboy's Single Mom also has some more comedic moments than some of the other Elsie James books. Some humor comes from the childhood innocence of Connor, Cassidy's nine-year-old son. Some other comedic moments come from the narrator, the town gossip podcaster. This podcaster reminds me of the xoxo Gossip Girl in the way it is written, is kept anonymous, and the way it comes across. Someone happened to lose red silk panties in the haybarn after a town event, for example. 

Elsie James has written another great story that I wanted more from but left herself many options to continue on into other stories. I can't wait until her next one becomes available. The fact she promises a happy ever after gets to be a bonus each time. 

Thank you to Elsie James and Instalove Influencers for this opportunity to review!