"Wild Horse Springs (Ransom Canyon Book 5)" by Jodi Thomas

Dan Brigman, the sheriff, interested me; I found him likable.  I enjoyed the Cinderella-like boot left behind in the middle of the road. If the boot fits, it must be hers, and Dan enjoyed helping Brandi try it on. They embarked on a "wild" affair to remember, a brief moment to cherish forever. They didn't have much time to engage one another in anything wild because there were so many other things going on - a crime spree in the small town.  I felt like Dan didn't know much about Brandi, and when their affair came to their agreed-upon end, it didn't make me too sad.

I didn't read the first books in the Ransom Canyon series, and it may have caused some trouble understanding Lauren, Lucas, and Tim's parts in this story. Lauren and Lucas were supposed to have a steamy connection, but to me, their attraction fizzled instead of sizzled. I had no interest in them. Perhaps their characters are more captivating in other installments.

The aspect of the book that I favored was about Thatcher, a troubled young adult and the little girl in the red coat. This element of the story, which didn't fully kick in until near the end, captivated and kept me reading. Thatcher's personality and voice were comical and brave, highly entertaining. By the time I'd reached the last page, I did want to find out more about the little town called Crossroads.

I enjoyed Wild Horse Springs (Ransom Canyon Book 5) more as a small-town Texas drama than as a romance. I believe I will try other works by this author, perhaps more of the Ransom Canyon series.

"Oh Baubles: A Christmas Romance Novella" by Harmony Kent

First of all, the enticing cover of "Oh Baubles" caught my eye, and immediately, I wanted to read the description. This story broke my heart and renewed my faith. The death of Charlene's husband was tragic, but when I read the details of how he died, it melted me. No wonder she was reeling at the loss of his love. I cheered for the hope of new love with John. Scenes are told from Charlene's and then retold, but from John's perspective, which is unique to me, but I'm not sure I liked replaying each encounter. A short story with a catchy title and plenty of human drama; it's worth reading. I would recommend it.

"The One Discovered" (Chronicles of the Diasodz Book 1) by Yvette M Calleiro

The One Discovered (Chronicles of the Diasodz Book 1) has me torn. I found parts of the plot interesting and wanted to find out more information about some of the characters, but the story moved slowly. Sofia's relationship with Rafe seemed awkward, and it was difficult to believe their couple status. They felt no romantic passion for each other and perhaps would have been better as simply best friends. I liked how Ar'ch appeared in Sofia's dreams and then in person. Tattoos turned into real weapons; how cool is that? The scenes where Ar'ch and his brother fought evil beings left me a little confused; I couldn't form a picture from what I read. Dialogue needed to be less formal between the teenagers; conversations were strained. I plan to give book 2 a chance because I want to find out more about Liana and Damiana and how they affect this tale and view Sofia's evolving relationship with Ar'ch.

'The Ex Chronicles' by Maura Beth Brennan

Angie decides to confront her boyfriend and his mistress... What could go wrong? Well, read and find out. Pleasant short story - pay attention to its description; it has but 23 pages - packs a comical punch, and most of the blows land directly on the narrator; luckily, Angie's bruised ego pales in comparison to the consequences faced by her cheating man. I enjoyed this quick, entertaining bedtime read.

"Jewel" by Jan Sikes

This story parallels one of my favorite tunes — an entertaining variation. Born poor white trash, Jewel is scared, and her momma's sick. They don't have money for food or rent, but Jewel and her sister are handed over to others who will change their lives: Jewel's in a far different way than her sister's. Confused, Jewel must trust her mother to do what's right to save them. How sad to leave what you know, even if lacking comfort and necessities, for an uncertain future. A great short read with a consistent tempo, I finished it in one sitting and enjoyed it thoroughly. Recommended.

"Angel of Death' by Jennifer Hinsman

In "Angel of Death' by Jennifer Hinsman, there are plenty of multi-dimensional relationships to be explored. A friendship formed between Tancy and Audrey, even though their backgrounds differed severely. Audrey wound up bound to an alternative lifestyle in an attempt to gain independence from her parents and maintain her usual comforts. Tancy found true love in her first real boyfriend. My favorite part of the story was the way their lives intersected, their families connected to the unsolved deaths, and how Angel always looked out for Tancy until it was solved. The truth about Angel surprised me in a good way, but then, I had some questions about how she managed to keep Tancy from starving to death. A lot of sexual scenes in this book. I would have preferred more about the bones of the story and the path to uncovering the mystery and revealing the bad guy; I enjoyed that aspect. Overall, I liked where the author went with it.

"Hearts in the Storm" by Elmer Seward

Trista is on a mission and looking for someone to help her accomplish her goal. The details of that goal are withheld long enough for you to get a little background information about the characters' lives. Trista meets a local man affectionately referred to as "Duck" with a past of his own that he can't escape. He agrees to take her out on his boat in the eye of a storm because he knows more about her secrets than he is letting on and honestly wants to help her. In doing so, he feels he may be able to find redemption for himself and finally be free of his own demons. His sister thinks he may be crazy but she doesn't argue with him because she can see glimpses of the brother she used to have and wants him to be emotionally whole again. She can see a bond forming between Trista and Duck and hopes a relationship will mean a new beginning for them.

This is a touching story about loss, tragedy, and overcoming it. The way the author pulls you along spilling bits of the past only hints at the losses felt by Trista and Duck, but when the entire truth was revealed, it gave me goosebumps. The conclusion had some surprises as well. I thought it was going to end one way, but Mr. Seward managed to surprise me. Job well done.

I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I would recommend it.

"The Second-Best Ranger in Texas" by Kathleen Rice Adams

Kathleen Rice Adams paints a descriptive picture of the setting and characters in her historical novella, "The Second-Best Ranger in Texas." Even Barclay's horse Bulls-Eye has a personality. Dulce and Barclay form a connection within the limited pages that can be difficult to attain, but this author makes you care about them both and believe they are falling in love. She weaves a story of circumstances that show the depth of their strengths and weaknesses and show they are human. There are also confrontations and action scenes that are highly exciting. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it as a quick, exciting read that leaves you wanting more.

"Hexed: A Purr-fect Catastrophe" by Wendy Jayne

I absolutely loved this short story. Another hit from Wendy Jayne. Cassidy's journey to uncover the person who heart-hexed her provided sensual tension, humor, and a bit of mystery. 100% enjoyable. Recommended! Get your copy today!

'Lost Time: Family Ties' by Maretha Botha

Twin sisters' relationships with each other and romantic entanglements with the same man could weave a captivating web. The description enticed me to read the book. Finding how one sister truly views the other proved interesting. The dialogue confused at times, and the reader is put inside different characters' heads within the same scene. Nelle didn't appear to have any redeeming qualities.