Meet the McBrides

Welcome to Fallbrook. 

Jennifer Ryan introduces you to the rowdy men known as the McBrides: Brody, Owen and Dylan. 

The black sheep of Fallbrook is back . . . and he's in for the surprise of his life.

Former bad boy, now-decorated Army Ranger Brody McBride is home and on a mission: Find the woman he never should have left behind and right the wrong he did eight years ago.

When the man she loved broke her heart and skipped town, Rain Evans picked up the pieces. But along with heartbreak, Brody left her something infinitely better than she could have imagined: two beautiful daughters. One she gave birth to, and the other she rescued from the woman who helped destroy her relationship with Brody.

Brody is shocked to discover he's a father, and he's more determined than ever to win back Rain and protect his girls. Can they rekindle the love they once shared and become the family they were always meant to be? Or will a danger from their past return and ruin everything?

****FOUR STARS for The Return of Brody McBride****

Man on man. I saw the cover, and I knew I was gonna love this book. This lady loves her a down home country love story. I did NOT expect the depth this story would have with each turn of the page. Jennifer Ryan weaves this amazing story of friendship and family. When meeting Brody in this first installment, you know he never stopped loving his first love, Rain. Raised in a household that never allowed him to feel worthy of anything good, he knew Rain would leave - so he left first. Unknowingly, he left more than Rain behind. 

The tension between Brody and his brother, Owen was real. This wasn't sugar coated and easily forgotten. My favorite part is once they worked to get past the tension, Owen and Brody continued to tease and test it. Just like brothers would. 

"Why does he constantly do that?" Brody asked through his teeth. 

"Before you came back, he did it because he loves me and wanted me to know he cared." Her eyes when soft as she glanced at Owen gathering up the girls. 

"Now that I'm back?" Brody asked, knowing he wouldn't like the answer.

Her eyes met his and the corner of her mouth turned up. "Just to piss you off, because you've made it clear you don't like him being affectionate toward me."

Second chance at love seems to be my  favorite troupe lately. Something about the stories from the past that just makes it so much better. I thought the "secret babies" would throw me off because I do not condone hiding kids, but this situation was different. Rain made attempts, and after no luck - she continued her life to protect her girls. 

While you love learning about them McBride's, I can't pass up telling you that Rain and Pops are my favorite! Rain is so strong, and the epitome of what a mother should be. She loves her girls with everything she has. Her father was such a great example. Clearly she wasn't raised with tiara's and tutu's and even now, she is one hell of a mechanic. Pops is Pops. Such a dad. Rain and her dad have such an incredible relationship full of sass. (Side note: that is how my Dad and I are, which might be why I feel so close to these two!) 

"Well, aren't you just full of love and wisdom this morning? What's you stir your coffee with, Cupid's arrow?"

My other favorite line about Pops is when Owen called him after Brody's accident with the truck.

"He hopes you'll be a hundred percent when you come to get the truck...so he can kill you," Owen finished around a bite of chili. 

Pops has anger towards Brody for how he left Fallbrook, but he knows his daughter never stopped loving the man who caused such pain and helped create two beautiful girls. Everything from the unfolding of the story to the instant love he felt for his girls felt real. Jennifer created a world where it didn't feel like I was reading BUT experiencing it firsthand. Without giving away any more of the story, what you will find in Brody and Rain's story is: a wonderful re-kindling of a relationship, the kind of parental love every child deserves, supporting characters who you pray that she will write about, a brother who steps up to the plate for his brother while most wouldn't, a crazy night at a bar that changed everyone's life, and a warm feeling that will stay in your heart long after you return THE END of Brody's book. 

***

The McBrides of Fallbrook return with reformed bad boy Owen. He'll do whatever he must to protect the woman who's captured his heart.

Attorney by day, rancher by night Owen McBride conquered his dark past and made it his mission to help the innocent-even at the expense of a personal life. But when a client's abusive ex-husband targets Owen and his gorgeous neighbor Claire gets caught in the crossfire, his feelings turn anything but professional. The mysterious beauty awakens something in him, and he'll move heaven and earth to keep her safe.

Coffee shop owner Claire Walsh learned the hard way that handsome men aren't to be trusted. Owen may be sexy as hell and determined to take care of her, but she's reluctant to put her heart on the line. His presence in her life puts a target on her back, yet the more time she spends with him, the more she finds she can't help falling for Owen.

*****FIVE STARS for Falling For Owen*****

I quickly picked up Owen's book after falling hard for him in the first installment. Owen showed his dedication to family and just about all of his good guy cards while Brody and Rain found their way back to each other. You can see, I was ecstatic to find Owen had his own 395 pages. *Insert Fangirl Squeal Here*

A misunderstanding of huge proportions brings an unwanted guest to Claire's door. Before she knows it her life is flooded with McBrides from the town sheriff, Dylan to the intended person of attack, Owen. (No fear ladies, Brody returns the favor to Owen this book by watching out for Claire too!) 

"You're very kind, Mr. McBride, but it's not necessary. I'm sure I can find my own way home."

"My name is Owen. Use it," he pressed gently. "Get used to me hanging around. Until they find and lock up Dale, I'm not taking any chances he comes back to hurt you again. Besides, someone needs to help you clean up this place."

See? He keeps showing them damn good guy cards, and I am collecting them like a nerd. I adore one particular part of this story where Brody is giving Owen a hard time about Claire. "Got your girl squared away?" Brody asked when he stepped out onto the back patio. And then you have the moment when Brody & Rain crash his date with Claire. Oh man. Seeing Brody happy and silly makes me happy. "I promised Rain a nice dinner out. Messing with you is a bonus." 
Lately, Romance has been all about one person winning the other person over - and don't get me wrong... I love a good story where one party won't admit to the obvious feelings that we are reading. Silly woman, you know you love that biker/billionaire/English cowboy/rodeo guy.... you get it? Well, Claire fights it a little... but this story was more about Owen and Claire fighting against all the crazy around them. It was a nice change of pace. At first, I was like wait... what did she just say? "I am interested," she said more boldly than she actually felt. But trust me when I tell you that even though they gave in early on, this was one bumpy (and fun!) ride. 
Jennifer wrote Owen so well. In the first book, you met Owen the Uncle. Protective and fiercely loved his family. You still get to see and love that man. But, here you dive in deeper. You meet the professional lawyer, the approachable baseball coach and the hotter than an Mississippi summer rancher. 
"You know, I never truly appreciated baseball until now. You look really good."
He chuckled. "I was wearing a suit yesterday." Which he thought she'd prefer to his backwards baseball cap, T-Shirt (THIS WAS THE BEST MISSED TYPO EVER... I GIGGLED LIKE A KID! WANNA KNOW? BUY THE E-BOOK!) , catcher's pads, sweat pants, and tennis shoes.
"Yes, and you were very handsome and professional. This... I don't know, you seem more approachable and fun."
"Well, by all means, approach and have fun. I'm all yours," he teased. 
I don't want to tell you any more! And yet I want to read this book aloud to you. It was so good. So, you get a list from me of some of the awesome things you will find: 

1. McBride brothers buying rings together. 
2. A whole bunch of cats, one named Pumpkin
3. Owen proposing before Brody. (And Rain's funny reaction!) 
4. A different side of Dylan, which is good because I wasn't a fan in Brody's story. That will show me to judge a book by it's cover. 
5. Owen's sweet ways of calming Claire down. 

Man, Jennifer. Fallbrook has their hands full with all them McBrides. Add their kids - I see another generation of hell-raising fun! 

***

There's a new sheriff in Fallbrook … Meet Dylan McBride.

Jessie Thompson had one hell of a week. Dylan McBride, the boy she loved, skipped town without a word. Then her drunk of a father tried to kill her, and she fled Fallbrook, vowing never to return.

Eight years later, her father is dead, and Jessie reluctantly goes home—only to come face-to-face with the man who shattered her heart. A man who, for nearly a decade, believed she was dead.

Dylan accepted the position as sheriff of Fallbrook looking for a fresh start and a chance to uncover the truth about Jessie's disappearance. He knew he'd have to face a few ghosts … he just never thought one would be Jessie, all grown up, stunning … and alive.

The pull between them is instant, but Dylan's heart has already mourned Jessie, and she has secrets she can never share. Can they escape the darkness of their past for a chance at a bright future together?

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review***

****EASY FOUR STARS for Dylan's Redemption****

Another second chance romance from the McBride's. Dylan and Jessie fell hard for each other in high school. Wasn't the perfect situation, but for them - it was real. 

"I needed a break from all the whispers and snide remarks. They're taking bets on what I have on you. How in the world did the Queen of Geeks get the most popular everything to ask her out?"

Eight years passed since the last time they have seen each other. Dylan left without another word, and Jessie was presumed dead. With the death of her father, she heads back into Fallbrook to handle his final arrangements, shake her brother out of his funk and face her demons, also known as Dylan McBride - the newest sheriff. 

Here is a few things you need to know about me: 

1) I am a highlighting fool.

2) I love quotes.

3) I devoured this book so quickly, I only highlighted FIVE. 

Dylan and Jessie's story could so easily be a Lifetime movie. I love Dylan's reaction when he lays eyes on Jessie for the first time in 8 years after thinking she died. After a gasp and the realization that he was not staring at her ghost, he quickly scans her hand for a wedding ring. This man means business. 

Add Dylan's sweet son, and you are a goner. 

"You've got your work cut out for you. She's afraid of being hurt again. Good luck knocking down all her walls."

"I plan on bulldozing them to the ground."

"I want to ride on the bulldozer," Will cheered.

"It's you and me all the way, buddy."

Dylan's story had so many layers to it. You met Will before, but didn't know his story. You met Dylan before, but didn't understand the childhood he endured. It reminds me of that saying about walking in someone else's shoes. I saw Dylan through the eyes or Owen and Brody. Dylan had it all - well off financially, popular and his parents were sober. What we didn't see is that he didn't have the chance to find his place in the world. He was living his own personal hell and had to get away. Reading Dylan's Redemption felt like I was meeting him for the very first time. 

Jessie's story was a heart breaking one. I've said it before, and I will stand by my statement. Jennifer doesn't just write a book, she writes you into the world. Right along with Dylan, it killed me that I didn't see all the warning signs of the abuse as a child. My heart ache for her brother as he got his life back together. I wanted to pick up and hold Will with everything he encountered during his journey of picking his Momma. I felt the sting of jealously Dylan felt seeing Jessie with her other family as well as the sense of relief that someone was there to care for her. Finally, I wanted to smack Momma McBride across her smug face. 

Before I leave you to go buy these incredible books, I want to share a few of my favorite lines: 

"She's my mommy. Okay, Daddy?"

"Are you here officially, Sheriff?" Dr. Williamson eyed his badge and gun at his hip.

"No," Dylan said tightly. 

"You're going to break all the hospital rules to get to Jessie, aren't you?" 

"I'm glad we understand each other, Doctor." 

"Do you want some more drugs?"

"Let's leave a few brain cells," she said sarcastically.

He smiled. "There's a little bit of my Jess...."

FANS OF THIS SERIES ALREADY? Comment below as to who your favorite McBride was?!?

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Release Day Blitz! Fatal Abduction

Fatal Abduction

Release Day Blitz

November 3, 2014

There’s a serial killer at large. His victims just happen to resemble Kaitlyn—dark haired, pale skin and athletic build. Kaitlyn goes undercover, attending a prestigious high school to try to lure the killer into a trap and save the lives of other potential victims. Will she be able to catch the killer before his body count rises? Or will she become the next victim?

~*~ABOUT JULIA CRANE~*~

Julia crane is the author of the Keegan’s Chronicles, IFICS. She has a bachelors degree in criminal justice. Julia has believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Growing up her mother greatly encouraged reading and using your imagination.

The Blogger Business

Before I dive into the latest book I am reading. (Jennifer Ryan's 'The Return of Brody McBride'... so excited!) I feel I need to put some thoughts to the blog.

We all know what has been going on with ONE particular author and ONE particular blogger that has rocked the blogger/author world as we know it. If you do not, here is the link: CLICK HERE for the Article that started it all. Kristyn and I are incredibly new to the blogger world, having only been here since March 2014. The one thing we are not new to is the book world. Both are alumni of Borders Books and readers since we were young. This situation has brought a few things to my mind. So, per Catherine fashion - let the listing begin.

1) Pen names.

• Nome de plume, literary double or pseudonyms - whatever you call them, they are not a new invention. Theo LeSieg who wrote some of our favorite children's books? Yep - that is Theodore Seuss Geisel. Dr. Seuss. (LeSieg is Geisel backwards) Anne Rice, Mark Twain, Stephen King and the list goes on of those authors who do not use the names stamped on their birth certificates to write under. As a reader, I don't think twice about it. Unless it is a truly interesting name. People change their names daily; and the reasons are all different: marriage, divorce, gender change, spelling change or just a need/desire to go by a different name. So, I ask - why is this a hot topic if a blogger chooses to WRITE (which is what we as bloggers are doing) under a pen name? A few questions that came to mind when thinking about this were: 
• Does it lessen the validity of our review/support if we do not use our parent given names?
• Does it lessen the quality of a novel if an author chooses to not use their parent given name?

Kristyn and I use our real names. I am not sure we ever had a discussion about it. I will be as honest as I can be with you now, it would have been a long conversation had we decided to venture out on this blog after this situation came into light. The use of a pen name was a huge part of this situation because the author felt as if she was being "catfished" by the reviewer.

2) Catfishing

I will admit, I loved the show on MTV. I do not belittle people who have found companionship via the Internet. In today's technology filled society, even when you are out and about they have apps that will let you know that there are single, available people in certain areas. I have many friends who I met online, and their friendship is not valued any less than those I have met in face to face situations. I do think people bypass taking precautions against the dangers you can encounter in face to face dating. Would you give a person who you are having dinner with for the first time ALL your personal information? Why would you allow a person via the Internet to have access to that information? Now, to the situation at hand - I do not believe this was a catfish situation at all. The bloggers intent was not to meet this author under false pretenses. It seemed to be the author's desire to meet the blogger. If this is going to be classified as "catfishing" - then I know a store up the road full of Catfish, it's called Barnes and Noble. I will also advise you to stay away from Amazon, that place it full of them. And not the ones that we batter and deep fry here down south. If you read the author's own account, she is the one who assumed a false identity when contacting the blogger to obtain personal information. Who is really the catfish in this situation? 

3) The Blogger Blackout

As a blogger, I support a person's right to give a one-star As a blogger, I support a person's right to write a review that is 100% true to their opinions and thoughts. As a blogger, I support a person's right to blackout in support of this cause. As a blogger, I also support your right to continue to blog. We will continue to blog. We have recently read a TON of great goods: Some were ARCS, some we one-clicked by a recommendation of some blogs we follow, and some were recommendations from the many book friends we have that we are eager to put the words to the blog and share! 

As a person, I do not agree with bashing one another. We are blessed beyond belief to have not had this type of situation occur and I hope that we never have to face that level of negativity. Think to what pushed you to start blogging. That one author who you just loved. That indie author whose debut novel needed to hit Oprah's desk and you were gonna help. I think back to what I was told by numerous grade school teachers: "Don't let one bad apple spoil the bunch." As a person, I do not condone stalking either. 

4) Stalking 

I think the biggest part of this story that is being overlooked is the stalking aspect. Stalking is a serious CRIME. CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF SCARY STATISTICS Fact: It is a CRIME in all 50 states, and yet the level of stalking that occurred in this article is being viewed as light. An author received a 1 star. Let me tell you about a classy (and funny) way to handle your poor reviews, if you are choosing to read them. There was this challenge going around for author's to read their own bad reviews on video. Rachel Van Dyken had be laughing because she would agree on some things. I wish I could find the video now, but if you Youtube it, you will find authors challenged each other to do this. In fact, Rachel tried to turn it into a drinking game with her husband. 

I think this author crossed more than one line in this situation, and it is scary to think about all the books she has sold in light of this situation. For this reason, I understand the use of pen names. If I choose to do all the things this author is admitting to doing in order to confront this blogger, I would have a restraining order (at the very least) against me. Bottom Line: Stalking is a crime, and not to be taken lightly as it seems to be in this situation by some media outlets. 

5) My Parting Thoughts

If you did not notice, I did not once name the author involved. This was with full intent. Her book has shot up to #65 on an Amazon best-selling category list. If the book is well written, they kudos to the author - but, this jump in sales was due to the publicity her actions have given the book. Her actions were that of a person who needs help and possibly a chat with the local police department. If this was a man acting this way towards a woman, the handling of this situation would be different. The year is 2014. When will we realize that regardless of gender, situations like these should not be taken lightly. While the other end of this story is the huge possibility that this was a publicity stunt. If it was, the stunt was successful. A few weeks ago, would you have been able to tell me what this author wrote? I don't think many would. Today, within the book world at least, this is now a household name. I have decided NOT to perpetuate her name any more today. Instead, I will leave you with some authors you should check out: 

Click Here for Erotica written like no other, Cynthia Sax Rocks!

Click Here for some of the FUNNIEST stuff ever written, Robyn Peterman Rocks!

Click Here for the BEST in Small Town Romance, Codi Gary Rocks!

Click Here for a NA series like no other, Victoria Green & Jinsey Reese Rock!

Click here for a trip DOWN UNDER you won't regret with this Aussie! Nicole Flockton Rocks!

Click here for some cowboys that are NOT your Momma's kind. Jodi Linton Rocks!

The list could go on and on!!! Sophie Jordan, Tina Klinesmith, Jeffe Kennedy, Lizbeth Selvig, Candis Terry, Dakota Cassidy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kris Calvert, Darynda Jones... 

You get it? There will always be that person who takes it TOO far. And then there will be these, who fangirl over you reviews like you do over their books. There will be that person who meets you at a convention and acts like they've known you forever. For the bloggers participating, I cannot wait for your return! Your reviews will be missed! We love and support each and every one of y'all! And for the author who caused the noise, and for those who will, without fail, cause more noise in the future, these are my parting words to you: 

Happy Reading Y'all!