Category Archives: Silver Creek Series

November 23, 2015 · 11:56 pm

Review: Once Touched by Laura Moore

once touchedTitle: Once Touched by Laura Moore
Silver Creek Series Book Three
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

For fans of Linda Lael Miller and Diana Palmer comes Laura Moore’s breathtaking final installment in her Silver Creek contemporary romance series.

The youngest of the three Knowles siblings, Quinn has in her blood the love of the land and its beautiful creatures. Raising enough money to build an animal sanctuary is a dream Quinn lives every day—while fending off her family’s well-intentioned matchmaking schemes. Though harboring secret fears about intimacy, Quinn soon realizes she cannot fight her growing attraction to a man who has suddenly entered her life.

Scarred by his months in Afghanistan and the violence he witnessed there through his camera lens, photojournalist Ethan Saunders throws himself into hard ranching work as a prescription for healing. But falling for Quinn has given him the one thing he thought he’d lost forever: hope. Ethan discovers that Quinn, like the innocent animals she rescues, is shy, and afraid of entrusting her heart to a man. Passion soon awakens Ethan’s strength, and his tender seduction may be just what Quinn needs to believe in herself—and in his love.

Review:

Once Touched, the final novel in Laura Moore’s delightful Silver Creek series, is another well-written and engaging romance between two very appealing protagonists.

Quinn Knowles is a kind-hearted and giving young woman. She has a soft spot for abused animals and she is passionate about rescuing injured or abandoned animals. In her mid-twenties, she has never had a serious relationship and now that both of her brothers have fallen in love, she fully realizes what she is missing out on by not having a special person in her life. But her few attempts at intimacy have left her with plenty of self-doubts so Quinn has decided to take a break from looking for Mr. Right.

Ethan Saunders is a photographer in need of a quiet place to recover from the wounds he sustained in an IED attack during his assignment in Afghanistan. Not only does he have fond memories of the time spent on Silver Creek Ranch but it is on the opposite side of the country from his well-meaning but smothering friends and family. Although he is still recovering from the physical injuries he sustained during roadside bombing, Ethan is struggling with survivor’s guilt and grief over the deaths of the soldiers who lost their lives in the attack.

Quinn and Ethan get off on the wrong foot at their first meeting and both are a little dismayed when they must work together on the ranch. But as their paths continue to cross, a surprising attraction begins to grow between them. However, Ethan is convinced that he is too old and too broken for someone as sweet and innocent as Quinn, so he tries to keep his distance from her. Meanwhile, Quinn is charmed by Ethan’s instant rapport with her beloved herd of goats and she slowly begins to appreciate his sharp intelligence and keen observation skills.

Passion flares between them after Quinn reveals a rather shocking secret and they embark on a no strings fling.  Desire slowly turns to love but Quinn knows Ethan will have to confront his painful past before they can fully commit to a future together. She devises a plan that will leave him with no choice but to deal with everything he has been avoiding but will Ethan forgive Quinn for her deception?

Once Touched is a captivating addition to Laura Moore’s heartwarming Silver Creek series. The romance between Ethan and Quinn develops at a leisurely pace but it is an absolute joy watching them truly get to know each other before they act on their mutual desire. As always, the Knowles family is in the middle of the action as they offer their advice and support to both Ethan and Quinn. A heartfelt and passion-filled romance that I highly recommend to old and new fans of this wonderful series.

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Filed under Ballantine Books, Contemporary, Laura Moore, Once Touched, Rated B, Review, Romance, Silver Creek Series

November 17, 2014 · 11:55 pm

Review: Unwrapped by Maisey Yates

unwrappedTitle: Unwrapped by Maisey Yates
Silver Creek Series Book 3.5
Publisher: InterMix
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: Novella
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates’s latest Silver Creek Romance, a naughty Christmas wish turns into something so much more…

Kindergarten teacher Sarah Larsen has spent her whole life being the good girl. But now, she’s ready to do something bad. So wearing the shortest, tightest black dress she owns, she marches over to the nearest bar to fulfill her Christmas fantasy: a wild night with a total stranger.

Walker Callahan moved to Silver Creek to start fresh. He doesn’t want to bring his baggage into a relationship, so an evening of fun with the sexiest welcoming committee ever is just what he needs.

They were both in it for one night with no strings attached.. But when Sarah discovers that Walker is the father of her new student, things turn deliciously complicated. Can the cold winter nights thaw two frozen hearts?

The Review:

Unwrapped by Maisey Yates is a sweet and sexy holiday romance between two people whose fling unexpectedly turns into so much more. This fast-paced and engaging novella is a journey of self-discovery for Sarah Larsen whereas Walker Callahan must decide whether or not to risk his heart again on love. This lovely addition to the Silver Creek series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the other books in the series as well.

Sarah is a good girl who always does what is expected of her. Now thirty years old, she is finally ready to explore her sexuality but achieving that goal takes her way out of her comfort zone. Just as she is rethinking her decision, a handsome stranger walks through the door and she charms him into accepting her tantalizing offer of a one night stand. However, Sarah is dismayed to discover that Walker is not just passing through when their paths later cross in very surprising set of circumstances.

Sarah is a sweet and giving woman but moving past the messed up teachings of the grandmother who raised her is difficult. She is uneasy with the changes she is trying to make, but she does not let her discomfort stop her. As she becomes more sexually experienced, Sarah gains confidence both in and out of the bedroom. But most importantly, Sarah realizes that she deserves to be happy and she refuses to keep her growing feelings for Walker to herself.

Walker is not looking for a woman when he finds Sarah and he has serious qualms about getting involved with her beyond their one night together. Having had his heart shattered by his ex-wife, Walker is devoted to his daughter but once his libido comes back to life, he finds it difficult to ignore his desire for Sarah. Agreeing to keep their relationship casual, the couple eagerly explore their scorching hot passion but Walker brings their relationship to a screeching halt in the aftermath of Sarah’s confession.

Unwrapped is a delightful novella that is humorous, sensual and at times, a little poignant. Sarah and Walker are multi-faceted characters with believable flaws and realistic obstacles to overcome. It is a super steamy addition to Maisey Yates’ Silver Creek series that old and new fans are sure to love!

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Filed under Contemporary, InterMix, Maisey Yates, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Silver Creek Series, Unwrapped

May 26, 2014 · 11:56 pm

Review: Once Tasted by Laura Moore

oncetastedTitle: Once Tasted by Laura Moore
Silver Creek Series Book Two
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Three siblings, an extraordinary family, a lasting heritage—in the irresistible Silver Creek Ranch trilogy, they’ll fight for the land and the people they love.

Everything has come easily to Reid Knowles, the middle son of a California ranching family. But his charmed life is suddenly complicated when his good friend and neighbor asks him to help run the winery next door. His neighbor’s niece, Mia Bodell, is in charge—and she has made it clear that she’d rather be roped to a steer than to Reid Knowles. Never one to back down from a challenge, Reid vows to win her trust.

Her life marked by loss, Mia knows that nothing comes easily—love included. In high school, her heart was crushed by Reid, and even though years have passed, the hurt lingers. Mia is achingly aware that the teen heartthrob has matured into a devastatingly handsome playboy, and the budding winemaker refuses to let down her guard. But one taste of unbridled passion changes things. From Reid’s first intoxicating kiss to his unexpectedly tender seduction, Mia is swept into a passionate affair that could tear her heart to pieces . . . or give her everything she has ever wanted.

The Review:

The second novel in Laura Moore’s Silver Creek series, Once Tasted is a sweet yet wildly sensual romance between neighbors Reid Knowles and Mia Bodell. Although these two have been interested in one another for several years, after a humiliating high school incident, Mia has maintained a frosty distance from Reid. Unbeknownst to Mia, Reid has been attracted to her as well but it is not until a business arrangement forces them to spend time together that the sparks between them burst into flame.

Mia is dedicated to her uncle’s winery and she’ll do anything, including spend time with Reid, if is beneficial to the business. She is at first shy and content to blend into the background, but once she decides she deserves more than she has been settling for, she makes small but significant changes to her life. Mia begins to build confidence in herself personally and professionally, but when her childhood nemesis and incredibly sleazy cousin Jay returns, her deep-seated insecurities cloud her judgment about her confusing relationship with Reid.

Reid is laid back and self-assured but he is not arrogant or cocky. He is sexy, charming and extremely popular with the ladies, but he has never been in a serious relationship. Reid is very happy with his role in the family’s ranch but he has been feeling a little restless lately. When he learns about the new partnership with the winery, he might be reluctant to work with Mia, but he is looking forward to the challenges of his new position.

There is plenty of chemistry and sexual tension between Reid and Mia. Their hostility slowly subsides as they brainstorm ideas and their attraction is always simmering in the background. The shift in their relationship is gradual but neither is willing to clearly define exactly what their status is. This lack of communication leads to misunderstandings and after Mia’s self-doubts resurface, their hurt feelings and anger endanger their fragile relationship.

There is ample conflict for Mia and Reid to overcome both individually and as a couple. Mia really blossoms when she takes on more responsibility at the winery and this new self-confidence spills over into her relationship with Reid. Reid is more than a pretty face and despite his self-confidence, he too has issues that raise a few self-doubts which lead to an overly cautious approach to their relationship.

While I enjoyed many aspects of Once Tasted, it is a little slow-moving. The wine-making part of the storyline is well researched but there are times when this information overshadows the rest of the story. The conflict with Jay is easy to predict but fortunately, it is wrapped up fairly quickly.

Once Tasted is an enjoyable addition to Laura Moore’s delightful Silver Creek series. The characters are multi-faceted and three-dimensional with realistic problems to overcome. The romance between Mia and Reid is passionate and deliciously steamy. Overall, it is a very heartwarming story that leaves fans eager for the next installment.

2 Comments

Filed under Ballantine Books, Contemporary, Laura Moore, Once Tasted, Random House Publishing Group, Rated C+, Review, Romance, Silver Creek Series

January 19, 2014 · 11:56 pm

Review: Untouched by Maisey Yates

untouchedTitle: Unexpected by Maisey Yates
A Silver Creek Novel (Book Two)
Publisher: Penguin Group USA
Imprint: InterMix
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pdf pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the Silver Creek romance Unexpected, Cole Mitchell found love in the last place he ever thought to look. Now, in USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates’ newest novel, Cole’s little sister Lark is determined to have her turn…

Having never left the family ranch, Lark Mitchell needs a little adventure—or at least a romance that isn’t confined to the internet. Her older brothers Cole and Cade have always been too good at protecting her innocence, but even they can’t stop her from taking a second job—where her boss just so happens to be the kind of bad boy she craves. Too bad he’s also the one guy in Silver Creek she should never touch…

When Quinn Parker introduces himself, Lark tries to quit on the spot. Everyone knows Quinn was behind the accident that ended Cade’s rodeo career. But when he holds her to her contract, she can’t help wanting to get even closer. As she begins to see the man behind the gossip, she sees that not all of the things people say about him are true…even if there’s plenty about this bad boy she has yet to discover.

The Review:

In Untouched, Maisey Yates puts a fresh spin on what I thought was going to be a typical romance plot line and the resulting story is surprisingly unique and unpredictable. This second installment in the Silver Creek series can be read as a standalone, but I liked it so much I’m eager to dive into the previous releases as soon as possible.

Deciding it is time to spread her wings just a bit and take a step out into the real world, computer geek Lark Mitchell eagerly accepts a job at a nearby ranch. Unbeknownst to her, Lark’s new employer is none other than Quinn Parker, the man her brother Cade accused of causing the accident that ended his rodeo career. Quinn has a well-deserved reputation as a bad boy but deliberately hurting a competitor on the rodeo circuit is not a line he would ever cross. Permanently barred from the competing on the circuit, Quinn is planning on using Lark to pressure Cade into recanting his accusation and regaining his career. But will Lark convince this embittered cowboy to abandon his quest for revenge?

Lark is such a refreshing heroine. She may have grown up on a ranch, but she is not a cowgirl. Instead she a computer nerd who spends her days closeted in her bedroom running a successful tech support business and playing on line games. Her dating experience is woefully lacking and the man she had a crush on has just married another woman. So she is not only eager to experience a taste of life off the family ranch, but Lark is also craving the chance to indulge in a casual fling as well. She is dismayed then horrified by her attraction to Quinn and although she fights giving in to her passion, they are soon indulging their mutual desire. When obstacles are thrown in their path, Lark always keeps an open mind where Quinn is concerned. While she does not accept his excuses for his mistakes, she is willing to give him a fair chance to prove he is the man she knows he can be.

Quinn is such a mess that at first, it is difficult to see the good in him. He has let his past define him for most of his life and he clings to his belief that without the rodeo, he will revert back to old self-destructive habits. He realizes pretty quickly that he has made a big mistake involving Lark in his plans for revenge, but he honestly does not think he has any choice but to go forward with them. He can be hard and unforgiving, but he can also be super sweet and considerate. Although it seems hard to believe, there really is a good guy lurking behind Quinn’s bad boy exterior.

While at first it seems an unlikely pairing, Quinn and Lark are very well matched. Lark is different from the women he usually encounters and their budding relationship reflects this. Quinn’s experience is a wonderful contrast to Lark’s innocence and they end up bringing out the best in one another. Lark calls him on his bad behavior and he wants to be a better person for her. It was such a delight watching them figure out how to make a relationship work for them despite the obstacles in their path.

The sexual tension between Lark and Quinn is positively sizzling and their sex scenes are a wonderful mix of naughty sex and sweet lovemaking. The dialogue is crisp and the witty banter and snappy comebacks kept me giggling for most of the story. The only negatives in the story are the repetitive references to Quinn’s past and at times, he is dangerously close to stepping over the line in his search for revenge. Although the novel begins with deception on Quinn’s part, once his plan is revealed, he is surprisingly candid about his intentions.

Multi-faceted characters, an unpredictable storyline and a strong sense of family make Untouched a truly unforgettable romance. The Silver Creek series definitely stands from others in the romance genre and Maisey Yates skillfully offers tantalizing glimpses of Cade that will leave readers eager for the next installment.

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, InterMix, Kensington, Maisey Yates, Rated B, Review, Romance, Silver Creek Series, Untouched

March 21, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review: Once Tempted by Laura Moore

Title: Once Tempted by Laura Moore
Silver Creek Series Book One
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 402 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sweeping passions, family drama, and searing scandal play out at the magnificent Silver Creek Ranch as the heirs to a powerful dynasty seize their legacy of love.

Oldest son Ward Knowles feels the sprawling California ranch in his blood. And now that the family business has expanded to include a popular resort, he’s working harder than ever. Silver Creek is his legacy and his life, which is fine for the ruggedly sexy ladies’ man and committed bachelor. Love and trust don’t come easily for Ward since he lost his heart to a gold digger—until he meets a shy, unpretentious beauty whose sweet grace is about to turn his jaded heart into a hungry one.

Tess Casari has found sanctuary at Silver Creek, working as an assistant to Ward’s mother, Adele. Grateful for her busy new life running the ranch’s spa and resort, Tess can escape the heartbreak, humiliation, and secret shame of her failed marriage. The last thing she needs is temptation—especially from a man who reminds her so much of the husband who shattered her faith in love. But passion and destiny are about to change the rules for two people who have stopped believing in the healing power of love.

The Review:

If you are a fan of contemporary western romances, then you are going to love Once Tempted, the first novel in Laura Moore’s Silver Creek series. This fast-paced novel is a beautifully written love story between a sexy cowboy and a city girl who have both had their hearts broken in the past.

Following her estranged husband’s death, Tess Casari is ready for a new beginning. Randomly selecting a place on the map, Tess travels from New York to a small town in California where she finds a job on a local ranch/resort. Tess is instantly attracted to Ward Knowles, her boss’s son and part owner of the Silver Creek Ranch, but she has no intention of getting involved with a man who reminds her of the past she has left behind. When Tess and Ward are forced to work together planning his close friends’ wedding, the two find it impossible to resist the passion simmering between them. But just when they are considering taking their relationship to the next level, their pasts threaten to tear them apart.

Tess is strong, sassy and determined to begin a new life after her husband’s death. A city girl through and through, a job on a ranch is not what she anticipated, but she soon discovers she enjoys her new career. Tess really enjoys getting under Ward’s skin, but he is a pretty worthy adversary and he quickly figures out a way to sneak past her defenses.

The romance between Ward and Tess is slow growing and full of sexual tension. It takes place over several months and I like that they take the time to get to know one another. But with so much emotional baggage along with their trust issues, when trouble arrives in the form of Ward’s ex-fiancée, it does not take long for their insecurities to drive them apart.

Laura Moore’s Once Tempted is a charming novel with a delightful cast of well-developed characters. Some of the plot is a little predictable, but it never detracts from the overall story. The issues between Ward and Tess are resolved fairly quickly and without an excessive amount of angst. An entertaining story that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book in the Silver Creek series.

6 Comments

Filed under Ballantine Books, Contemporary, Laura Moore, Once Tempted, Random House Publishing Group, Rated B, Romance, Silver Creek Series