Book review: Jake (Wyoming Sky #3) by R.C. Ryan

A WYOMING SKY NOVEL

Wild at Heart . . .

Jake Conway is good with his hands. A veterinarian known for his gentle touch, he's also the most eligible bachelor in Wyoming. But like any wild animal, Jake longs to roam free . . . until a sultry redhead with a smile from here to heaven turns up in town.

When her estranged father dies, Meg Stanford inherits his rustic ranch-and all the painful memories that come with it. She's determined to settle the estate and face down the ghosts of her past. But a series of midnight break-ins have Meg running from the ranch-and into the arms of the sexy cowboy next door. As their passion grows hotter, the attacks grow bolder. Can Jake keep her safe, or will he lose the only woman he's ever loved?

This is the 3rd book in the Wyoming Sky series by RC Ryan (Ruth Ryan Langan). While i liked the first two books in the series ok i was not really excited about either. That all changed when i started Jake. I kind of thought this one would get me. I liked Jake a lot in the previous books.  Jake is a veterinarian and the youngest Conway. He was just 5 years old when his mother disappeared. His the nurturer in the family and a big flirt with women.  He finds himself face to face with Meg Stanford when she comes home to bury her father and finds she has a 7 yr old half brother and a injured horse.  Meg seems like a city slicker but in her heart she's still a ranchers daughter. This book has got some really good parts and some sad parts and a few that will bring you to tears i think. Poor Meg thought her dad forgot about her when she was 10 and her parents divorced and she left with her mother. Now she's back and torn about her feeling for her old home, her father and her new brother. Something going on though. Someone is trying to scare her off the ranch it seems. Jake being the protector he is steps up to the plate to protect Meg and her little brother Cory.  There is a lot going on in this book. RC Ryan tells Jake's story but also cleans up some other secondary stories that have been going on through the previous two books. She wraps up what happened with Seraphine the Conway boys mother and also some romance with Jake's dad Cole. You just feel for the family once they finally find out what happened all those years ago.  This was one of the best books i have read in a while.  I laughed and i cried and i was drawn into the book right from the start. 5 out of 5 stars for "Jake" by RC Ryan

Find out more here www.ryanlangan.com

Book review: Only Us ( Fools Gold Holiday Novella) by Susan Mallery

Fool's Gold, California, a charming small town that's short on men, has captured thousands of readers' hearts in Susan Mallery's New York Times bestselling series. Fall in love with Fool's Gold's beloved characters and heartwarming romance in Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday novella!

Pet groomer Carina Fiore wants nothing more than to confess her feelings to the man she loves. She's drawn to veterinarian Cameron McKenzie's good looks, caring nature and especially his devotion to his young daughter. But he's also her boss and a good friend. Putting her heart on the line could cost Rina both her job and their friendship forever.

Since his divorce, Cameron hasn't been willing to trust his heart--or his daughter--with anyone else. For months he's pushed away all thoughts of taking Rina in his arms and kissing her, unwilling to risk their friendship for a single night of pleasure. But when a kiss under the mistletoe unlocks the simmering passion between them, Rina and Cameron may just find love for the holidays after all....

This is a novella that goes along with Susan Mallery's Fools Gold series. I think you could also read it as a stand alone if you wanted too. Carina or Rina as she is called in the book is a pet groomer that works out of Cameron McKenzie's veterinarian office. She also helps take care of his little girl. She falls in love with him but he's kind of oblivious and really just afraid to change anything. His wife left him when his daughter was a just a baby so trusting does not come easy.  Carina's friend Beth convinces her to tell him how she feels and it backfires. Cameron rebuffs her so she plans to move her business out of his clinic and desperately tries to pretend like she's OK as she continues to care for his daughter and get through the holidays until she can get away from him. You can feel the hurt Carina feels as you read this story and the love she feels for both Cameron and his daughter. You can also feel for Cameron because he doesn't want to lose what he already has with Carina but is also afraid to give his heart again. Touching, wonderful short story. Love the ending.  4 out of 5 stars for Only us by Susan Mallery. Wish it would have been a full book but you take the little bits you get and enjoy them.

Find out more about Susan Mallery and her Fools Gold series here www.susanmallery.com

Book review: Animal Attraction (Animal Book 2) by author Jill Shalvis

Jill Shalvis October 7, 2011
ANIMAL ATTRACTION

Berkley Mass Market
Animal Magnetism
Book Two
Available at Amazon and B&N online and in bookstores.

Jade Bennett couldn't be happier to escape her past for the quiet ranching town of Sunshine, Idaho. Plus, there's nothing like working for veterinarian Dell Connelly. And though Dell has no intention of settling down, Jade's strength and sass are enticements no red-blooded male can resist.

Excerpt below:
“Come on, baby,” he murmured. “Give it up for me. You know you want to.”


Jade Bennett did her best to ignore the way the low, sexy voice made her shiver. Besides, it wasn’t aimed at her. Dr. Dell Connelly; dog whisperer, cat whisperer, horse whisperer, and known woman whisperer … was talking to a stray kitten.

The feline in question huddled miserably beneath the bench seat in Dell’s vet center waiting room, staring at him from narrowed eyes, clearly having none of the sweet talk. She was a scruffy/mangy grayish brown with sharp green eyes, and like Jade, not swayed by sweet talkers.

“Huh,” Jade said from behind the reception counter. “Most females leap right into your arms at the slightest encouragement.”

Dell craned his neck and regarded her from eyes as dark as his secrets. “Not all.”

There was a beat of silence during which she did her best not to break eye contact. He was right. Not all females, otherwise she’d have made the leap.

Jill Shalvis has been a must buy for me from the first couple books of hers that i ever read. Animal Attraction is the 2nd book in her Animal series. I read this in two evenings but had i strarted earlier in the day it easily would be a one sitting book. I read Animal Magnetism (book 1) when it came out and was ready for book 2 immediately I enjoyed  it so much.  It was well worth the wait. Dell Connelly and Jade Bennett both have issues. Even though they grew up with very different backgrounds their issues are similar. Both are afraid. Commitment for Dell because he has been abandoned in one way or another all his life. His group of friends he trusts is pretty small. Jade is a part of that circle but still he holds back. Jade used to a very confident person. Nothing fazed her until she was attacked at her work place 18 months ago. She didn't do anything to fight back at her attacker and other people got hurt and she feels guilt but also has not dealt with the after effects of it yet either. Dell knows something happened to Jade but she won't let him in enough to tell him. They bounce off each other though the whole book helping each other but misunderstanding a lot of things too. You wonder if Dell is ever going to get over himself and tell Jade he loves her. It is soooo clearly evident that he does. It's lot of fun watching him try to get there. The banter between all the characters in this book is great and you feel you would like to know these people. Be a part of their circle.  Animal Attraction is another keeper book for me. 5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars.  Next in this series is Dell's brother Adams book. Can't wait. Next book out for Jill is the a Lucky Harbor series book "Head Over Heels" Lucky Harbor book 3.

To find out more about Jill Shalvis books and read excerpts as well as her blog check out her website here www.jillshalvis.com