Author: Sara Walter Ellwood
Series: Book One in the Colter Gamblers Series
Published By: Lyrical Press (Jan. 17, 2013)
Source: Copy Provided by the Author (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Romance
My Rating: 4 Stars!
Book Description:
When Charli bets everything on a secret, will she find the deck stacked against her?
Former runaway-turned heiress Charli Monroe is hiding her sordid past and planning a future in Colton, Texas. Attending the local college for a degree in social work, she intends to raise cattle on her newly purchased ranch, which she plans to open as a home for troubled teens. Only a few glitchesùthe Victorian mansion is crumbling, the barn needs a roof, and her oilman neighbor wants more than friendship. When she meets Dylan Quinn, Charli is willing to take a chance on the town drunk to help her rebuild the rundown ranch.
Dylan has his demons, too. The former Special Forces commander can’t get past his ex-wifeÆs betrayal and the botched mission that left him with much more than a bad limp. Certain the greedy oilman next door to Charli wants much more than just her heart, DylanÆs even willing to stop drinking in order to protect her.
When things get dangerous and secrets of the past are revealed, is he only looking out for his new employer, or is she the new start he so desperately needs?
CONTENT WARNING: Details abuse of a minor, drug abuse, alcoholism, swearing, spicy sex, murder.
My Thoughts and Review:
I love when I can get wrapped up in a story, especially one that I had no idea I was going to like as much as I did this one.
I have to say Ms. Ellwood really impressed me with how easy I fell into the story and how everything flowed so nicely. I have said this before but I always have a soft spot for two character, very much broken and damaged, coming together and finding love. I have no idea why but there is just something beautiful about two broken pieces coming together and creating a whole.
That is exactly Charli and Dylan's story. Dylan is an ex army Captain suffering not only from an injury and PTSD but from a broken heart as well. Swearing to never love again and drinking heavily just to get through the day he is the last and first person Charli needs in her life.
Charli too has a dark past filled with lots of guilt, pain and heartbreak. I couldn't help but fall in love with both of them.
This really was a great story. It has a slight edge of mystery that the mystery lover in me appreciated and of course the romance was a sweet one.
The ending was perfect and I look forward to reading more in this series and am really hoping the next book will be about Tracy and Zach because I want more of their story!
I'm glad it was a pleasant surprise! I haven't heard of this before so I appreciate the introduction and your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteaww sounds like a very sweet and romantic story with wonderful characters! I will have to look into this series.
ReplyDeleteThanks Erika and Lily! :)
ReplyDeleteOk first the cover screamed at me..i love it and its soft colors! This sounds like a book/series i would enjoy..awesome review Ali!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim! I think you would like this one. ;)
ReplyDeleteIf an author can manage two broken characters who overcome their difficulties realistically, I'm al for it. And I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately so a compelling read is just what I need.
ReplyDeleteI often like the two broken characters finding their way with each other as well. I hadn't heard of this one, but it sounds pretty good!
ReplyDeleteThis story totally sounds like something I'd be into. I know I said I've in the mood for more adult books lately, but dammit, I have too many YA ARCs.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Christy, it is nice to read something adult every now and then but mostly I read YA lately.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great. I also love it when you start a review book without any expectations and end up really loving it. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI've seen this but never got it. Now after reading your review I wish I had. Thanks for the wonderful review!
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