I Love Character Driven Stories & Maggie Shayne Delivers - Again
925013
I received Sleep with the Lights On in exchange for a fair and honest review.

4 1/2 Stars... this one was amazing....

This was a book that I knew had me pulled in from the time I started reading the Prologue. I really couldn't put this one down... for a lot of reasons.

One of the things that kept me reading were the characters themselves. Rachel was such a vivid, `in your face' kind of character. Blind or not, she couldn't be ignored. I loved her from the beginning. She was strong, smart and took nothing from anyone. She was also extremely loyal and fiercely protective of those she loved. I loved Mason too. He was put in an impossible situation and he dealt with it the only way he knew how. He could have crumbled, but he didn't. He stayed strong because he had too and regardless of how wrong the decision was that he inevitably made, it was for all the right reasons. It was easy to admire him for that.

The supporting characters were just as important to this story as Mason and Rachel. This was definitely a character driven story and they drove it well. Even the characters that seemed to be minor played important roles. No face time was wasted in this one - even when that time was spent with Rachel's pet dog Myrtle. There was also plenty of humor, romance and witty dialogue. It all added to the drama and intrigue and at least kept this reader on her toes. At one point I was a little disappointed because I thought the outcome was going to be obvious... I should have known better.

Maggie Shayne took twists and turns to the extreme. Nothing was sugar coated, especially the imagery used to describe the violence. The premise was unique and nothing was even close to what it seemed. I loved every minute of it. For the record, I could have read this one at night, but I'm kind of glad that I read it during the day. (Let's just say the book is aptly titled.) I'm also really glad that this is going to be a series. It doesn't end in a cliff hanger but it's obvious at the close of the Epilogue that things are far from over between Mason and Rachel. I can't wait to see what is in store for them next.
2569738
I love ALL Sahin's romance books, but as I've finished reading Someone Like You -which I couldn't put down from page one- I found Noah and Grace's story came in a tight competition with The Story of Us (have you read that one? Super HOT Italian soccer player!! Need I say more?) for "first place" on my Sahin reading list. Suddenly, I find myself realizing that I LOVE her contemporary romance series as much as her suspense!

As with all her books, this is a well-written story that flows smoothly with a dash of everything from an ex SEAL, to a rich workaholic socialite realizing maybe that isn't the life for her, to the hardships of past decisions and facing new ones for the future, while having a few laughing, gasping and grinning moments. Both Grace and Noah have a strong storyline and decisions to make as they grow and the best way for them to move forward while facing the past is with the other at their side. I'm patiently (impatiently) licking my lips as I wait for who her next super hunky hero might be in this series.
1108956
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting b/c I didn't want to put it down. It contained mystery as well as romance. I will definitely read more books by Maggie Shayne.
402417
I often brag on Maggie Shayne and The Littlest Cowboy just gives me more to talk about. Shayne flawlessly combines all of my favorite attributes in a book. She gives us a lot of amazing characters with great personalities and physical descriptions. Then there is the deep suspense, a ton of action, and a great romance. When Shayne tells you a story, you're there. You can feel the tension and smell the gunpowder.
The book and the entire series are romantic suspense so my warnings for them seem obvious. There is graphic violence, a lot, in many forms. Also, it contains graphic language and some sex. The sex isn't extremely graphic, nor is there a lot of it but it is there. Last, this is not a light fun happy read. It's tense and emotion packed. I know I had a tear or two come to eye.
The Littlest Cowboy is the first novel in The Texas Brands Series. The Series revolves around the Brand family, brothers Garrett, Wes, Elliot, Adam, and Ben and their sister Jessi and a bunch of cousins. I really loved this book, and want to get the rest of the series! Oh, and this was a FREE download for Kindle on Amazon.

The Texas Brands:
The Littlest Cowboy (Garrett)
The Baddest Virgin in Texas (Jessi)
Badlands Bad Boy (Wes)
The Husband She Couldn't Remember: republished as, Lone Gone Lonesome Blues (Ben)
Texas Guardian (Marcus)
The Baddest Bride in Texas: Republished as, Lone Star Lonely  (Adam)
The Outlaw Bride (Elliot)
Texas Angel (Sarah)
Texas Homecoming (Luke)

The Texas Brands have a strand of cousins who have their own connected series.
The Oklahoma All- Girl Brands:
The Brands Who Came for Christmas
Brand New Heartache
Secrets and Lies
A Mommy for Christmas
One Magic Summer
Sweet Vidalia Brand

The Littlest Cowboy is available free for Kindle when I caught it, check to see if its still free here.
To check for other device/retailers with free downloads and everything else Maggie Shayne, visit her website.

GENRES: romantic suspense,  contemporary western
WARNINGS: graphic violence, and language. Some sex
AGES: 18+
SERIES:Yes

Thanks and Happy Reading!
=D

For more of my reviews visit www.readersisle.blogspot.com
1634582
Shayne does it AGAIN!!! Her second book picks right up form the last one without missing a beat and without much of a time jag. She is tenacious with her pen in a way that has me wanting more from her. She has figured out her niche in the vast world of writing and as a reader I am most happy.  I just get could not put it down once I got started.

The complexity of the story bring in new characters and tells how thing progressed after the great fight scene at the end of the last book.  We learn what it's like when you are hunted down by the Regime.  Then there is the vampire "mis-fits" that joins Valek & Charlotte at their home.  This one is darker than the first with even more emotions are triggered.

I hope that I will get to preview book #3 when it comes out.  And I will be recommending this to my reader friends & my local library.

I'm rocking this one out at 4.5 out of 5 stars!!

***NOTE*** I received a free copy from the author in return I gave my honest opinion of the book and my opinion is just that: mine.
264339
Loved it!  Maggie's writing pulls you right in, and she handles the shifting of scenes from present and long ago with masterful ease. I felt engaged in the story right away, and I enjoyed the glimpses into the "earlier" connection between Amarrah and Harrison. This is a great, short introduction into the series. Can't wait to read the rest!
2516923
Maggie's Sweet Misfortune captivated me on page one and kept me enthralled throughout the book. Rachel's spunky determination made for a lively read. The hard times that Rachel had endured during her young life strengthened her character. I found myself wanting to help develop the romance between John and Rachel. Estelle,with her strong faith and belief in those less fortunate, is one of the many enduring characters woven into this heartfelt story. As always, Maggie brings interesting historical facts into her novels. That,along with the vivid descriptions of the events,transports me back to this wonderful time in the old west This is one of my favorites, and it leaves me wishing for a sequel about Rachel's and John's future, as well as that of the other characters. I love the faith that is shared and encourages throughout the book. Thanks for another good read,Maggie.
3874734
Holy Hotness Batman! This page-turning must read full of magic and shifters grabbed me right from the first page & held on through the last! I was so hooked I did not want to put it down! A fresh & totally different story-line with well developed & likable characters and witty dialogue :D Even the secondary characters are so awesome I can't wait to see more of them in the upcoming books! Great attention to details with new twists in this PNR genre & some surprises that will keep the reader engaged and glued to their seats! ... I highly recommend this for Adults 18+ who like contemporary fiction and paranormal like I do :) Plus, Ms. Day knows how to bring the heat with toe curling, sizzling, steamy romance & suspense! I was fortunate to have been given an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review, but I loved it so much, that I one-clicked my own pre-order to keep in my collection of favorites :D
3513960
I really enjoy the vampire series that Maggie Shayne has created.  These 2 stories however, seemed lacking to me.  I enjoyed them because they are part of the series and she occasionally brings the characters back in different books.  But out of the whole series, I liked this one the least.
As always though, Maggie Shayne is a gifted author that brings a unique story.
441816
4.5 Stars

In this one we delve deeper into the story seeing things mostly from Samis perspective this time and the story mostly focuses  on him and his struggles. He has had a hard time of things since watching mysterious woman burn but when Revelations come about regarding her he hopes things will finally be going his way, he never could have anticipated what would come after.

Hellfire, well..... more times than not throughout this book I wanted to smack her upside the head. She is 153 character who's struggles and story I can't wait to see more of.

Goldy is a sweetie and something of a surprise in this book. I cannot wait to see what happens as we dig deeper into all of these characters and how things will work out for them!

This series is full of twists and turns you never anticipate and it's so easy to dive into this world. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
4700048
Although this can be read as a standalone, I've read several of books in this series so I enjoyed the references to those characters and felt like I was reacquainting myself with them as a whole.

As always, this Troubleshooters story was very entertaining. Shayla's character was perfect - the blend of wit, intelligence and common sense was wonderful! Such a great balance to Peter's character - action now, questions later - which allowed them to play off one another perfectly. Made for a great story!

Just the right amount of everything - romance, intrigue, drama, etc. plus some really hilarious moments thrown in as well!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, however, this is my honest opinion.
383169
This book is amazing! Shayne brings you right to the edge with each story!! Each character was great. I loved each and everyone of them.
3186334
This was such a complex story with such well crafted characters with distinct personalities.  Cameron and  Shaye grow up in a world of darkness, secrets and abuse, so it's no wonder that they are battled-scarred. I found myself being frustrated with them at times, but I realized that was because Amy did such a great job creating such real characters. Out of all the ugliness that they experienced in life, the fear of being together is very real, but I kept hoping that they could get past what happened years ago and find their way to each other. Cameron and Shaye were like beacons in a storm for each other. I can't wait to read all of Amy's other books and anything that she writes in the future, she has a real gift.
4829862
Samantha Towle has done it again with another fantastic story. I read this book in one sitting and Sam didn't disappoint.
Revved has it all....the perfect mix of gorgeous cocky hero, feisty & strong heroine, fantastic banter, swoon worthy moments, hotness, angst, heartbreak, humor and awesome secondary characters.
I also loved that this book was a standalone.
4224701
I don't even know where to begin. With each and every story Shayne writes she blows my mind. If you have read The Barter System then I am sure you know what I am talking about. I absolutely LOVE the way she has with words. It astounds me how she has interwoven the characters in this series. She has created a world where people not only want to visit but we want to live there, too! Marci has been through a lot but she never gives up. She is a strong woman who has managed to maintain her dignity as well as her sense of self worth. Shayne has proven again and again that her writing is above and beyond the norm. She keeps your attention and makes you want more.....NO....makes you beg for more. I simply cannot get enough of her stories and this is one author that I will buy whatever she releases without question. Bravo, Ms. McClendon on creating another breathtaking story in this series that leaves us wanting more....and more....and more....
521903
I love stories with heroines that are more introverted, yet not a pushover, and Madeline Gracechurch is just that, a bookworm with a penchant for seashell collecting and an aversion to all things expected for a woman of her class. With a stepmother bent on her marriage to an appropriate man, Maddie creates a fiction. She is in love, with a Scotsman, a Captain in the service, currently off doing his duty, and then in a moment of inspired desperation, gives him a name.

Bequeathed property in Scotland, Maddie has quietly managed a correspondence with said figment, until tragically, he is killed in battle. Now free to live her life away from meddlesome family, she spends her days as she chooses, unaware of just how her story of convenience had played out.  Unfortunately, for Maddie, her letters to a pretend beaux were finding a home with the actual Captain Logan McKenzie.  The twists and humor with which Dare employed to present the backdrop for our couple to meet is perfectly paced, laden with humor, and gives a solid insight into the dreams that Maddie may hold, but rarely speak aloud.

A rather bemused, yet determined Scotsman, one Logan McKenzie appears at Maddies door, clad in uniform and kilt, and she is, for lack of a better word, gobsmacked.  This scene was so well-timed and plotted that you could practically hear Maddies wheels spinning away in her brain as she tried to come to terms with the situation.  Oh Logan had his own plans, and while Im not thrilled with his strong arm tactics, he cant be angry for long with the quietly intelligent woman, and their relationship blossomed as they shared their insecurities, their innate sense of honor, and the obvious attraction took them toward a happy ending.

Strong characters with issues to face and overcome, humor, a lovely setting and attraction that jumps off the pages, both Logan and Maddie grew in themselves and together, keeping me engaged and intrigued throughout.  With a touch of suspense before the end that worked on every nerve, Dare gave a will or won't they moment some added oomph before the end. Capping off the story with a sweet treat of an epilogue, the story was a winner from beginning to end.  I cant wait to dive into more in this series and from this author  a new must read for me.

I received a paperback copy from the publisher via Avon Addicts for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
3093672
Shayla is so wickedly talented. I so LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Logan and Tara's story. Logan has been my favorite so far in Shayla's Wicked Lovers Series (although I really am digging Xander (bk7) and can't wait for Tyler's book (bk6)). Shayla does a great job of taking this tough talking Dom and showing us just how vulnerable he really is. How when given a chance to be close to the woman he loves with all his heart and soul again. Logan will stop at nothing to make her his once and for all.

Shayla does a great job with Tara too. We feel Tara's pain about the boy she has always loved and hated yet never forgot or forgiven his betrayal. But when faced with trusting Logan or failing on her mission, Tara knows she has to trust Logan one more time. Tara also knows she is doomed to fall hard for Logan, but is she willing to take a chance at getting her heart broken again just like he did all those years ago.

Shayla Black's Belong to Me, is such a wicked good read I never wanted Logan and Tara's story to end. Logan & Tara are HOT. Five-Alarm HOT!!!! If you have not started Shayla's Wicked Lover Series I would highly recommend them. I look forward to seeing snippets of them in the next two books *fingers crossed*