A Reader's Opinion: NEVER LOVE A LAWMAN by Jo Goodman

AMAZON

The Book

USA Today bestselling author Jo Goodman delivers a thrilling tale of small town greed that may have big time consequences—unless two strangers open their hearts to a highly unconventional arrangement. . .

Rachel Bailey may seem like just a beautiful newcomer to most of Reidsville, Colorado, but Sheriff Wyatt Cooper knows she's much more. Through a twist of fate, Rachel is the inheritor of a very valuable commodity: control of the railway that keeps the isolated mining town connected to the world. That is, she will be, if she agrees to the surprising stipulation in her benefactor's will—that she marry Wyatt.

Rachel has no choice: refusing the marriage could put all of Reidsville in the hands of an outsider--and not just any outsider, but the cruel tyrant she has come here to escape. Yet living with Wyatt will be her greatest challenge. For he has a tempting way about him that makes Rachel forget theirs is a marriage in name only—until her frightening past shows up to remind them exactly how much they have at stake. 

A Reader's Opinion

NEVER LOVE A LAWMAN is another enjoyable read by Jo Goodman. One of the things Goodman is does best is create characters with great chemistry, and although I always enjoy the heroines, I'm partial to her heroes. This is no different with Wyatt Cooper, who is not only charming, but knows what he wants out of life. I enjoyed the playful moments between Wyatt and Rachel as much as I did the serious. The author writes smart and witty dialogue, and just an overall great book.

Goodman has become my "replacement" for Kathleen E. Woodiwiss—though one could argue there isn't a replacement—but Goodman is the closest I've read, yet with her own unique style. I've ordered a slew of Goodman's previously published mass market paperbacks and look forward to reading every one.

Content Note: This author does add plenty of heat and steam, so readers take note that there are graphic sex scenes in her books. If you skip over them, you don't miss anything.

Book Source: Reviewer's personal library

Edition Reviewed: Mass Market Paperback; 384 pages

Publisher: Zebra (Kensington)

Learn more about the author at www.jogoodman.com. 

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A Reader's Opinion: "In Want of a Wife" by Jo Goodman

The Book

"Dazzling" --Publishers Weekly (starred review)   When his mail-order bride arrives from New York, a Wyoming rancher gets more than he bargained for in this first-rate romance from the bestselling Jo Goodman.  For fans of Linda Lael Miller and Catherine Anderson.

SHE HAS NOWHERE LEFT TO TURN
Jane Middlebourne needs a way out. In 1891, life in New York is unforgiving for a young woman with no prospects, especially when her family wants nothing to do with her. So when Jane discovers an ad for a mail-order bride needed in Bitter Springs, Wyoming, she responds with a hopeful heart. 

HE HAS EVERYTHING TO LOSE
Rancher Morgan Longstreet is in want of a wife who will be his partner at Morning Star, someone who will work beside him and stand by him. His first impression of the fair and fragile Jane is that she is not that woman. But when she sets out to prove him wrong, the secrets he cannot share put into jeopardy every happiness they hope to find….

A Reader's Opinion

This is my fourth read by Jo Goodman, and I can't seem to get enough of this author's style or the characters she creates. Although In Want of a Wife isn't my favorite book by Goodman, the story still has so much to offer in terms of entertainment. I enjoyed revisiting characters from the other two books in the Bitter Springs series, and felt they rounded out the story nicely, most especially Finn and Rabbit, both of whom "steal the show" in each book. Like all of Goodman's books, I'm drawn into the lives of her characters and their stories. This one had a few unexpected developments, which I always appreciate in a good story. Morgan and Jane are both likeable characters who spend most of the book getting to know one another. I most especially appreciate their lack of drama. They approach situations with calm and on solid footing. Their romance is like a slow burn until it bursts into flames once they're in eachother's arms. 

Another great read by Jo Goodman. The Bitter Springs books can be read as stand-alone, but to truly appreciate all of the characters, I recommend starting with book one. It was my favorite, and I don't believe you'll be disappointed. 

Content note: Like all of Goodman's books that I've read, there are some steaming hot and graphic scenes. Easy enough to skip over, but they're there.

Edition Read: Mass Market Paperback

Book Source: From the reviewers' private collection

Publisher: Berkley 

Series: Bitter Springs (Book 3)

Print Length: 385 pages

ISBN-13: 978-0425264171

Visit the author at www.jogoodman.com.  

Find the book at Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Books-A-Million | iBooks

 

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A Reader's Opinion: "True to the Law" by Jo Goodman

"….Engaging characters and a well-plotted story will captivate the reader all the way to the satisfying conclusion." --Publishers Weekly

The Book

He was on the hunt for a runaway beauty . . .“Find her” is the only instruction that private detective Cobb Bridger receives from Richard Mackey. The scion of a wealthy Chicago family, Mackey is desperate to know the whereabouts of the woman who disappeared from his employ, taking with her something of great value. Intrigued as much by what Mackey won’t say about the missing item as he is by Mackey’s description of the missing woman, Cobb accepts the assignment.

And the one true lie that could destroy them both.
Bitter Springs, Wyoming, has a new schoolteacher who may or may not be exactly what she seems. Upon making the acquaintance of Miss Tru Morrow, Cobb begins to question the guilt of this golden-haired lady—and the protective feelings she stirs in him. His investigation hinges on understanding where the truth lies. Can he believe in Tru? Or is she just another treacherous woman out to swindle this hardened detective’s heart?

A Reader's Opinon
The second addition to the Bitter Springs series by Jo Goodman is just as good as the first. I've grown quite fond of the residents in this small Wyoming town, and Cobb and Tru are two great additions. We meet some old friends and gain a few new ones, none of whom disappoint. Cobb Bridger is a man worth admiring and Richard Mackey is a man worth despising. Tru Morrow has her secrets, but she doesn't allow them to stand in the way of living the life she wants. Read the book summary  to get an idea of the story and then read the book. If you love historical western romances, then I highly recommend giving this author's books a try. 

Reviewed by MK

Edition Reviewed: Mass Market Paperback

Source: My own collection 

Content note: Super steamy, but written well. 

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Visit the author at www.jogoodman.com. 

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A Reader's Opinion: "The Last Renegade" by Jo Goodman

The Book

SHE HIRED HIM TO PROTECT HER TOWN
As the owner of the Pennyroyal Saloon and Hotel, Lorraine Berry is privy to almost everything that goes on in Bitter Springs, Wyoming—including the bloodshed plaguing its citizens. With all of the good men dying at the hands of a local rancher and his three sons, Raine hires a shootist to be the town’s protector. But her handsome new employee is more than a hired hand; he’s a man who keeps his guns close and his secrets closer.

BUT NOTHING COULD PROTECT HER HEART
After a chance encounter on a train, Kellen Coltrane travels to the Pennyroyal to carry out a dying man’s last wish. But once he meets the hotel’s fiery-haired proprietor, Coltrane finds himself assuming the role of the shootist’s accomplice and agrees to protect Bitter Springs. And as he learns more about Raine’s own tragedy, Coltrane can’t deny his growing desire for the courageous widow, or the urge to protect her from the threat that draws near…

A Reader's Opinion

I've fast become a fan of Jo Goodman. Bitter Springs is an interesting little town in Wyoming, but not nearly as interesting as its residents.  Kellen Coltrane isn't what you'd expect. Yes, I figured out his real identity early on, but that didn't stop the enjoyment of watching the townsfolk try to figure out Coltrane. Lorraine Berry is a force to be reckoned with, but that doesn't stop her tender side from showing when she's with Kellen. Their chemistry is wonderful, and though I prefer my books without all the graphic sex, Goodman knows how to write a great scene that doesn't detract from the story. The townsfolk are just as endearing, especially two little rascals called Rabbit and Finn. Charm, wit, and romance are all wrapped into one great story. I highly recommend Jo Goodman to any fans of historical western romance.

Reviewed by MK

Edition Reviewed: Mass Market Paperback

Source: My own collection

Get your copy!

Amazon Print | Kindle | B&N

Visit the author at www.jogoodman.com. 

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Book Review Note: If you are the author of a book reviewed on this blog, you are welcome to use a portion of the review for marketing. Please list the reviewer only as --Books & Benches.

A Reader's Opinion: "This Gun for Hire" by Jo Goodman

"Perfectly crafted"—PW (starred review) 

Jo Goodman, a premier writer of western romance and the author of In Want of a Wife, is back with a sensational new novel for fans of Linda Lael Miller and Joan Johnston.

Amazon Print | Kindle |  B&N | Book Depository

The Book
He’s got a job to do…

Former army cavalryman Quill McKenna takes pride in protecting the most powerful man in Stonechurch, Colorado: Mr. Ramsey Stonechurch himself. But the mine owner has enemies, and after several threats on his life, mines, and family, Quill decides to hire someone to help guard the boss’s daughter. Only problem is the uncontrollable attraction he feels toward the fiery-haired woman who takes the job. 

…but she’s a piece of work. 

Calico Nash has more knowledge of scouting and shooting than cross-stitching, but she agrees to pose as Ann’s private tutor while protecting her. But between her growing attraction to Quill and the escalating threats against the Stonechurches, Calico will soon have a choice to make—hang on to her hard-won independence or put her faith in Quill to create the kind of happy ending she never imagined…

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages 
Publisher: Berkley (April 7, 2015)
Genre: Historical Western Romance

A Reader's Opinion

I'm a new fan of Jo Goodman! When it comes to enjoying a story, I look primarily at the story itself and the characters. In the case of This Gun for Hire, both were a hit. I spent a couple of lazy weekend mornings in bed just to finish, and it was well worth my time. I love Quill McKenna as the hero. He is just the right amount of tough and tender. Calico Nash makes for an interesting heroine, and her chemistry with Quill is spot on. I enjoyed the conversations with between the primary and secondary characters; plenty of humor and sarcasm. You do have to pay attention or you might miss who is saying what, but the witty dialogue was perfect. 

This was the first book I read by Goodman, but I went out and ordered three more of her books after I finished This Gun for Hire.

Content Note: I'll admit that there was far more in the sex department than I thought necessary, and there were enough pages to skip over without losing any story. Having said that, did I mention the great chemistry between the hero and heroine? The build-up was well done. Normally that much unnecessary sex in a book would knock it down a point for me, but this is still a five-star read in this reader's opinion. 

The Author
Jo Goodman is a USA Today bestselling author who has written multiple series, including the Hamilton Family series and the Thorne Brothers series. Jo lives in West Virginia. 

http://www.jogoodman.com

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