Sweet on You by Laura Drake ~ Sweet on a Cowboy #3 ~ Review

I have had the pleasure of reading all the books in the Sweet on a Cowboy Series. Sweet on You by Laura Drake is the third book in this wonderful series and it's just as awesome as the first two. 

Katya Smith is a healer and loves to help people. She used her amazing talent to help her fellow soldier in Afghanistan until she was horribly injured. She needed to find a way to deal with her panic attacks and PTSD, so she could return to her team. A friend helps her find a job on the PBR circuit. 

Cam Cahill is riding in his last season and has no idea what he is going to do with his life next. Cam is the a one rough and tough, bull riding, handsome cowboy. He is use to handling the pain he has, that is until he meets Katya and her magic fingers. These two do no hitch to start with. They really start off on the wrong foot but as they get to know each other things change. I loved watching these two get to know each other. They each have such an interesting personality that made for entertaining reading. 

In true Laura Drake fashion there is a lot of emotional moments that just plain tore my heart out. Laura Drake has a wonderful talent of making you really feel the story. Katya has a lot of painful moments to go through to learn how to cope with her PTSD issues. My heart just broke for this lovely lady. She has been through so much and has so many things to adjust to. Life back in the states after living through war is tough on her. I think Ms. Drake has done a fabulous job of showing us what our men and women serving their country go through when they return home. Not all their injuries are visible but they are certainly there. 

Cam Cahill has a lot of decision to make about his life and what he really wants. It's not long before he figures out that he really wants Katya to be a part of his future. However he has to convince Katya this is what she wants as well.

I LOVED this book and this series. To be perfectly honest I have LOVED everything I have read by this very talented author. She really does have a way of  really touching my heart and breaking a few pieces. I always end the book with a giant aww and a tear in my eye. 

If you enjoy an great cowboy book with a touching storyline then you really should check out Laura Drake's Sweet on a Cowboy Series. Each book has been fabulous in it's own way. I don't think you will have any problem picking up any of them and reading them as a stand alone. 

I will be impatiently awaiting the release of Laura Drake's next book. I can't wait to see what this talented lady has in store for us lucky readers next. 

I was given the opportunity to read this great book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Sweet on You. 

You may read more of my reviews on Laura Drake's work here.....

Amazon Buy Links: 

 Sweet on You

 Nothing Sweeter 

 The Sweet Spot

#Review ~ The Last True Cowboy By Laura Drake ~ @PBRWriter @ReadForeverPub @GrandCentralPub

My Review of The Last True Cowboy:

Laura Drake became a must-read author for me from her very first book. Ms. Drake has an incredible gift with stories that are so emotional and really reach out to touch my heart. I could not wait to read this book once I had my hands on it. I found a comfy spot, grabbed my Kleenex box and settled in for a fabulous story. Ms. Drake didn't let me down, The Last True Cowboy is another shining example of her remarkable talent.

Carly Beauchamp is that sweet girl next door that found her true love in first grade. Carly is an independent, smart business lady that loves her family with her whole heart. I found my connection with Carly right away. She's one of the characters that I know I would love to enjoy a glass of tea with at Chestnut Creek Cafe and just catch up.

Austin Davis has been on the rodeo circuit and done well forever. He loves Carly with all his heart but he always thinks he's going to give it one more year and then start his life with Carly as a married couple. Austin is one of those truly good ole boys that love the thrill of the ride and the action going with the rodeo crowd. He really is a sweetheart with a heart of gold. I found a connection with Austin right away too. I don't think it's possible to not love this loyal cowboy that loves his girl, his family, friends, and animals. 

Austin and Carly have been together forever. It's a given that one day they'll be married. Until the day never comes and Carly is fed up. She sets out on an adventure to figure out just what to do with her life if she isn't going to marry Austin. She has an adventure and that leads to another adventure. She hits the road with a friend's food truck that follows the rodeo circuit. 

Austin and Carly certainly have a story to tell and it is one amazing story. It's packed full of emotions, drama, secrets that are revealed, and a first love that has stood the test the time but that time may be up now. There is wonderful family support behind Carly and Austin. I love when the family is involved in the storyline. It tends to add so much more to the background story and always helps me get a better glips into the characters. On top of that, the family and friends in this book are just phenomenal. There is a good dose of humor that had me laughing out loud. At other times I was reaching for the Kleenex box to wipe at the tears for both Austin and Carly. These two have a lot to work through if they are going to get that happily ever after that they have wanted forever.

If you are a fellow Laura Drake fan you must grab this book now! You are going to love just as much as I did. If you are a fellow fan of cowboy stories and haven't tried Ms. Drake's work yet, give this one a try. I think you'll fall in love with her work just as quickly as I did. 

This is the first book in the Chestnut Creek series. I can't wait to see what wonderful stories Ms. Drake will have in store for us lucky readers with the next books in this series. I have no doubt they will be fabulous and absolutely must reads!

I was given the opportunity to read this fantastic story and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you. 

You may find more of my reviews on Laura Drake's work https://goo.gl/FA6HfK

Amazon Buy Link https://amzn.to/2SzVwA1

Blurb for The Last True Cowboy:

This cowboy's got one last chance to prove himself.

Carly Beauchamp has loved cowboy Austin Davis since first grade. Ask anyone in their dusty, backwater New Mexico town of Unforgiven, and they'll say "Carly and Austin" the way some say "big trucks and country boys." But after years of waiting for a wedding ring, Carly's done with being a rodeo widow . . .

Austin never meant to put his career on the circuit before Carly. She's always been his future, his one and only. But now that she's moved on, he's beginning to see where he went wrong, and he'll do anything to win her back. The only thing is, Carly's suddenly acting differently, and she's definitely hiding a secret-one that will test the depth of their love and open up a whole new world of possibilities.

Amazon Buy Link https://amzn.to/2SzVwA1

#Review - Days Made of Glass by Laura Drake

Are you looking for the perfect book to really touch your heart? Do you enjoy women's literature stories with strong heroines that are slightly broken but a lot tougher than life gives them credit for? I have a perfect book for you then. Hurry, grab a copy Made of Glass by Laura Drake, don't forget the Kleenex box and settle in for a wonderful read.
Laura Drake became a favorite author of mine with my very first taste of her work. This lady can write a story to make you cry, smile, and all the emotions in between and leave you with that wonderful feeling at the end. OK, it might also leave you wanting to read more of her work because she is just that awesome!

Harlie Cooper is the awesome big sister that will do anything and everything to keep her little sister Angel safe. They have been through so many horrible tragedies  in their young lives. My heart really went out to these two and I found an instant connection that me pulling for Harlie and cheering her on.

I think some of my favorite scenes in this book are when Harlie is going through Bull Fighting school. She is the lone girl in a world filled with testosterone in overdose. I had to admire her for her strength to fight on even when she was ready to give. She is so use to not having any family or friends to depend on that it's a new thing for her watching everyone bond.

I don't want to tell you too much because I want you to grab Days Made of Glass for yourself and enjoy the whole story as you go. I will tell you that the aspect of being made of glass and that we are breakable really hit home with me. I read this fabulous story at a really rough time in my life and Laura Drake's story honestly helped me to cope with a very trying ordeal and even helped me to find the strength to keep going, to keep trying, and to keep the hope that everything would be better. 

Overall I don't know if this review can possibly do this wonderful book justice. It's an incredible story with characters that broke my heart and made me smile. It is a classic example of Laura Drake's work written to touch your heart and soul in the style that only she can create. 

I was given the opportunity to read this fabulous book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Days Made of Glass. 

You may find more of my reviews on Laura Drake's books here. 

Amazon Buy Link

#Review ~ Home at Chestnut Creek by Laura Drake ~ @PBRWriter @ReadForeverPub @GrandCentralPub

My Review:

Laura Drake became a must-read author for me with her very first book. Ms. Drake has such a talent with completely breaking my heart and then putting it back together by the end of the book. This lady has a supreme talent with stories that have me laughing, crying and feeling all the emotions right along with the characters. Home at Chestnut Creek is a fabulous example of Laura Drake's incredible talent. 

Nevada Sweet is a rough and tough lady that is used to taking care of herself and not looking for help from anyone. She just doesn't know how exactly to allow friends to get close and she is always ready to run. Of course, there is a big reason and a lot going on in her life that has made her this way. Nevada could easily rub anyone the wrong way but she has a heart under that rough exterior that a few people have had a chance to see. I don't want to tell you too much about Nevada's past. Let's just say it wasn't a good life and she has a good reason to be a tad bit jumpy. 

Joseph "Fishing Eagle" King is one of those good guys that is just too great to be true but is. He's a true friend, a great employee, and has been through a lot in his life. He is dealing with issues in his past that he is not proud of. He is determined to marry someone from his Navajo community to full fill a promise to his grandmother. 

Nevada and Fish don't start off on exactly the best of terms. Fish learns quickly that Nevada wants to stand on her own two feet and doesn't want to accept help from anyone and she sure doesn't want any charity or lasting friendships. However the more time they spend together the more they start to grow close. Neither of them is looking for a relationship and they both try to fight their attraction. I truly enjoyed watching these two get to know each other and form a deeper connection then either planned on. They might have a happily ever after if they can work through some issues together and get past the danger in Nevada's past.

This is the second book in the Chestnut Creek Series. Home at Chestnut Creek stands on its own just fine so no worries if you have not had a chance to read The Last True Cowboy. I have had the pleasure of reading The Last True Cowboy and I was so excited to see how things were going for Carly and Austin. It was nice to catch up and to see these two and the baby. 

Carly really is a true friend to Nevada and Nevada finds herself valuing the friendships she is making in Unforgiven. That makes her fear the danger from her past even more. If her past catches up with her she fears it will hurt her friends. I won't tell you any more on that but I will tell you that there is a lot of suspense in this book and drama. You are going to want to read this fabulous story for yourself. So hurry go grab your copy now and devour it like I did. 

I can't wait to see what Ms. Drake might have in store for us next. Whatever it is I know I will be anxiously awaiting her next story. 

I was given the opportunity to read this incredible book and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you. 

You may find more of my reviews on Laura Drake's work here: https://reviewsbycacb.blogspot.com/search?q=laura+drake&max-results=20&by-date=true

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/30joW95

About Home at Chestnut Creek:

First rule of life on the run: never get attached. Nevada Sweet knows that better than anyone-it's just too dangerous to stay put. And until now, she's never wanted to. But she gets more than she bargained for when she walks into the Chestnut Creek Café looking for a job. Despite the protective wall she's built, her coworker Joseph has her imagining a life she isn't yet convinced she deserves...

While Unforgiven, New Mexico has always been home, Joseph "Fishing Eagle" King still feels like an outsider-no matter how much he tries to give back to his Navajo community. Beneath Nevada's biting wit, he glimpses a similar vulnerability. Against all odds, Joseph finds himself falling for her, and it's clear she's not as unaffected as she pretends. When her past finally catches up with her, she'll have to decide whether to keep running, or fight for what's hers.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/30joW95

Twice in a Blue Moon by Laura Drake ~ REVIEW

Laura Drake is a very talented author that has a way with very emotional story lines. I know when I pick up a Laura Drake book I'm going to experience a gamut of emotions. While reading Twice in a Blue Moon I had tears in my eyes a few times. I laughed out loud a time or two and I was left with that wonderful awe feeling that made my heart swell with happiness. 

Indigo Blue has been through a lot lately. This poor girl found her once in a blue moon love and then lost him. She has lost her love, her confidante, and the guy she could always count on to have the answers. Not only is she grieving she has to deal with starting a new life. She is one strong lady with a lot of spunk. She is also sweet, kind, and has a huge heart. I admired this woman for having the courage and determination to make her new life as a winery owner work, one way or the other.  Her name certainly fits her. It's a very unique name fitting for a unique lady. 

Danovan DiCarlo has suffered a horrible loss and has been dragged through the mud by people he thought cared. Not only is he dealing with a tragic loss, he has to deal with the damage that has been done to his sterling reputation and find a job.  

Indigo and Danovan are just exactly what the other needs. They are the perfect match. She needs someone that knows everything there is to know about wine and is willing to take a chance on a small operation. He needs a job to work his magic with wine that is willing to take on a guy down on his luck. 

I enjoyed watching Indigo learn about the wine business and Danovan teaching her literally from the ground up. I enjoyed watching these two get to know each other while working closely together. Friendship turns into an attraction that is quite hot. There are many obstacles they are going to have to overcome in order to make a romantic relationship work. There are secrets that have to be told, tragedies that have to shared, and dramatic situation or two that they have to work through together. 

Twice in a Blue Moon is a prime example of the writing I quickly came to love and expect from Laura Drake. This lady has a talent with emotional stories that just about break my heart in two before she mends it back together with that awe moment. 

I am always thrilled when I hear that Ms. Drake has a new release. I have been a fan of her work since her debut release. With the end of each book I anxiously anticipate her next release. I can not wait to see what wonderful heartfelt story she comes up with next.

I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Twice in a Blue Moon.

You may read more of my reviews on Laura Drake's work here.

Amazon Buy Links:

  Twice in a Blue Moon

#Sale #Review #Cowboy ~ The Sweet Spot By Laura Drake ~ @PBRWriter

The Sweet Spot

Sweet on a Cowboy Book 1

By Laura Drake

ON SALE for a LIMITED time! Grab your copy now!

BLURB: 

A Love as Big as Texas . . . 

Charla Rae Denny was the perfect wife with a perfect life, content to keep the home fires burning while her husband, JB, competed as a champion bull rider. Then their son died in a tragic accident-and everything fell apart. Divorced and saddled with a hill of bills and a failing ranch, Charla must now cowboy up to put her life back together.

James "JB" Denny doesn't stay where he isn't welcome. So when Charla shut him out of her grieving heart-and their home-a year ago, he took comfort where he could find it. Now after seeing beautiful Charla again, he wants it all back. She can't work the ranch alone, and deep in his heart he knows he can be the man she needs. But after so much history and heartbreak, can JB convince Charla to take a risk and give their love a second chance?

Amazon Buy Link

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My Review: 

The Sweet Spot grabbed my attention from the beginning and held on to it all the way through to the end. Laura Drake has written a book with characters that are so compelling and charismatic that I could not stop turning pages. This is such a wonderful story full of strong emotion that deals with the pain of loss, the joy of finding a second chance at love, family, and friends. This story really tugged at my heart. With the loss of their son, the loss of their marriage, her father's illness & and finding their way back to each, there is a lot of drama and excitement that kept my interest. 

Charla Rae Denny's life completely fell apart and she just didn't know how to go on with life after the death of her son. Life continued but not in any way she was use to. She found herself in charge of everything from her Dad's health problems to the animals on the ranch. I don't want to give out to much of the story but one of my very favorite scenes is when Charla has to help one of the cows give birth to her calf. I admired her for the courage it took to stick it out and get that calf born alive. Charla has a lot more strength than even she knew she had. To me I think this was the turning point for Charla. Having helped with the birth process of a calf myself I know what she was going through. I think I also bonded a little more with Charla at this point.

JB Denny tried to reach out to his wife, Charla after they loss their son, it just didn't work. What I loved about JB is after he found his heart still belonged to Charla he didn't give up. He looked for ways back into her heart. JB may have done some things he's not proud of but he knows he has to earn the trust of his wife back in order to make it work. I just love a cowboy that goes after the girl he loves!

Another aspect that I really liked about this book is that both Charla and JB found friends that were able to support them and guide them along the way. I got a kick out of Charla's friend Bella. Bella is a city girl that has moved to the county, and this city girl adds some really humorous moments to the story.

If you enjoy a good second chance at love story I think you will enjoy this book, however you very well may want to grab that box of Kleenex. I really enjoyed Laura Drake's writing style and I look forward to reading more of her work. I can't wait to see what story she has in store next. 

I received an advanced reading copy of this book to read in order to share my opinion with you. It has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you on this touching story. 

Amazon Buy Link

More of my reviews on Laura's books may be found here

Nothing Sweeter (Sweet on a Cowboy #2) by Laura Drake ~ Review ~ Excerpt

I have now had the grand pleasure of reading both books in Laura Drake's Sweet on a Cowboy series, and over all I have read all three books by one of my new favorite authors. Laura Drake has such a talent for writing a story that just grabs a hold of your heart strings and touches all those emotions. I have not yet read one of her books that I did not laugh and cry during the story. She has such wonderfully creative story lines with characters that I would LOVE to meet. I always feel like I have made a new friend or two when I've finished one her books. 

Aubrey Madison is in drastic need of a new start. She has had a horrible couple of years and none of it was really her fault. She has started out to find a new job and a new life where no one knows about her past. She's not hiding it she just really doesn't want to have to deal with it. I loved Bree, this girl is so strong and has such a great charismatic personality. 

Max Jameson has lost his father, and dealt with relationship issues in the past. He has a mess on his hands trying to save his ranch. I really liked Max even though at times I wanted to tell him to get his stuff together and see what a gem he had in Bree. One thing I really enjoyed in this story was  watching Max and his brother Wyatt's relationship grow as the story progresses. 

There are plenty of sparks between Bree and Max, these two have a lot of chemistry. They each have problems from their past that they must work through to make it to their happily ever after. Max has trust issues and Bree has the major thing from her past that she has to share with Max. She just has to find the right time. There is lots of drama, some humorous moments, a really nice romance with some steam, and cowboys. Who doesn't love cowboys? If you have read some of my reviews you know I love a good cowboy book! 

Once again Ms. Drake has produced another wonderful piece of work that is full of all the great things I enjoy in a story. Laura Drake is on my must read list. If this wonderful lady writes a book I just have to get my hands on a copy of it. In my opinion she is one fabulous writer and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next. If you enjoy a nice romantic contemporary western book, with some drama, and emotion, I think you really should give Laura Drake's work a try. Nothing Sweeter is part of a series but I don't think you would have a problem reading it as a stand alone, if you want to start with this one. 

I am so delighted I was given the opportunity to read this book, so I may share my thoughts with you. As always is has been my pleasure to share my thought with you on this wonderful book. 

You May find my review for The Sweet Spot here.

You May find my review for Her Road Home here.

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Excerpt: 

Offering his arm, he led her around the rear of the stable to a grassy area between the building and the pasture fence. It was full dark and the damp grass released a cool, fresh scent. Hundreds of crickets chirped backup to a single locusts’ solo. He heard her breath catch when she saw his surprise; a round café table for two, covered in white linen, and a vase full of wildflowers. All illuminated in the flickering light of half a dozen votive candles.

He escorted her to a chair and settled her in before pouring the wine.

No, decanting. That’s what Wyatt called it. He sank into his chair.

Her smile was luminous, as if he’d given her the moon. “This is some surprise, Max.” She sighed and reclined, tilting her head back. “I’d never seen stars like they are here. I go outside nights just to stare at them.”

Max pulled his focus from her lean abs and tilted his head back to share the view. “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” He dropped his gaze to find her studying him. “John Burroughs.”

“Yes. That’s just right.”

He raised his glass. “May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.”

The crystal rang as she touched her glass to his. “Amen to that.”

He’d seen a wince, lots of times. But he’d never before heard one.

She swirled the wine, sniffed it, then took a tentative sip. “Hmmm. This is lovely. What is it?”

“Storybook Mountain Zin. I know you like Napa Valley wines. It’s aged in barrels stored in caves on the side of a mountain.” Max took a sip. It would never replace a good Rolling Rock but he could choke it down.

They spoke of inconsequential things, the weather, and local gossip. He discovered they both loved football, were ambivalent about baseball, and were bored to death by NASCAR.

Her eyes glinted like chips of topaz as she raised his dad’s cut crystal wineglass to take another sip. He decided she belonged in the candlelight. Her peach-tinted skin glowed. The fine bones of her face and hands reminded him that she no more belonged in his stable than Ivana Trump. But just for tonight, he didn’t care what had brought her here. He was going to relish his good fortune.

They laughed, reliving the pratfalls of the day. When he picked up the bottle to fill her glass once more, he was surprised to find it empty.

She gave him a wistful smile. “It’s for the best anyway. We’ve both got to be up early.”

She reached a hand across the table to cover his. “Thank you, Max. This has been a perfect evening.” She closed her eyes and he watched her breasts rise with her deep breath. “And I haven’t had one of those in a long, long time.” After a handful of heartbeats, she stood and blew out the candles.

Somehow this woman had burrowed into his world and turned it inside out. Studying the silhouette of her face in the dark, he was overcome by a sense of rightness. She belonged here, with him. When he held his hand out to her, she entwined her fingers in his. She fit him.

They strolled in companionable silence to her room.

She stopped in the doorway. The light from the tack room bathed her face as she turned to smile up at him. To say goodnight.

His move. But for the first time since high school, Max didn’t have a smooth line. All the ones he used, to charm buckle bunnies and barflies, sounded to him like a fist against meat.  Blunt. Wrong.

So instead, he blurted the first thing that came to his wine-dampened brain – the truth. “I’ve been thinking about your kiss all day.” The smile slipped from her face. “The feel of your soft butt through your jeans. You looking at me, like you are now.” Her whiskey eyes darkened to molten honey, her mouth opened a bit. “Since that first day, when I saw those long legs walking toward me, I just wanted to wrap them around me.” As he lowered his head to kiss her, he recalled her promise. “Is it later yet, Bree?”

She stood on tiptoe and touched her lips to his. “Oh yeah, Max. It’s definitely later.”

Sweet on You by Laura Drake ~ Spotlight ~ Interview

Crystal: Today I have the pleasure of hosting Laura Drake. As some of you may know this wonderful lady is one of my new favorite authors. Welcome Laura, I'm so excited to have you here today, Would you share a little bit about yourself with us today?

Laura: I’m recently back from the Romance Writers of America conference and am thrilled to announce that The Sweet Spot won the RITA® award for Best First Book!  Making it even more special (if that’s even possible) was the fact that Nora Roberts presented me with the award! 

Crystal: Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share with us?

Laura: That’s hard – I like almost all of them!  Okay, here’s one from my August 26 release, Sweet on You.  It’s where Katya first sees the hero, Cam. 

She turned the corner of the white tiled hallway. Her step faltered. A cowboy strode ahead of her, head down, spurs jingling. What Maydelle had called chaps hugged his slightly bowed legs, fringes bouncing. She hadn’t seen a cowboy from the back before. Wide bands of smooth leather curved from between his thighs to cup his butt, creating a frame for a perfect picture. Not that the jeans were tight. They were a working man’s jeans, used and dusty. Which made them all the sexier. 
Wowzer.
He held the vest the riders wore in one hand and a rope in the other, a bell on the end dragging behind. The bright red Western shirt he wore tightly tucked at his small waist widened to broad shoulders, his blond hair was cut short beneath the dark brown hat. 
Nice. A muscle under her ribs fluttered. Walking behind men in those chaps would be a sweet perk of this job.
He hurled the rope in a sudden vicious burst. The bell clanged and echoed as it hit the wall. 
“Shit!” The cowboy squatted, clutching his shoulder and swearing like a drill sergeant. 
She almost stopped, to see if she could help. When he rolled his shoulder, she knew he hadn’t dislocated it. 
Dr. Cody was waiting. If she didn’t nail this job, she’d never be able to help anyone.
He swore viciously.
“Well. Excuse me.”    
Figures. No matter how studly they may look, star athletes were at heart tantrum-throwing toddlers. She had two years of locker room stories to prove it. New sport, same infantile behavior. 
“Pardon me, ma’am.” 
He sounded sincere, but she glanced back, just to be sure. 
God save the world from baby-faced men.  Washed, blue-sky eyes with sun-squint lines at their corners, a strong jaw, and full lips. Lips, that as she watched, quirked as his eyes took a long, slow trip up her legs. 
She faced forward so fast her neck popped. Why do the good-looking ones just have to be assholes?

Crystal: Where did you come up with the idea for your current release?

Laura: Well, the first two books in the series (set in the world of Professional Bull Riding) were about men who raised the bulls. The fans of the series were clamoring for one about a bull rider!

There’s an old cowboy saying, that the only reason men ride bulls is to meet pretty nurses….so I made the heroine a member of the sports medicine team, that help keep the riders healthy.  Why she’s war veteran of gypsy heritage is anyone’s guess . . . I sure don’t know where this stuff comes from!

Crystal: What are you currently working on?

Laura: The next book in my Widow’s Grove small town series. A ‘masseusse to the stars’ who loses everything, except a winery she inherited. She doesn’t drink, and knows nothing about wine!  I tentatively titled it, Indigo’s Blues, but the title will probably change.

Crystal: What do you like to snack on while you are writing.

Laura: Nothing! I am at my computer 12-14 hours a day, and if I ate there too, I’d have to get a heavy duty chair to hold me! But I drink gallons of coffee and iced tea….

Crystal:  Did you have to do a lot of research for this book or any other? If so do you have a fascinating fact that you have learned you would like to share with us?

Laura:The research for my bull riding books is the most fun, because I’m such a fan of the sport!  This spring, I was lucky enough to attend a “rough stock” school. A three day class put on by Lyle Sankey, teaching kids bull riding, bull fighting, saddlebronc, and bareback riding. 

NO – I didn’t get on one, but if I were 10 years younger, I would have!

Crystal: Who are some of your favorite authors that you like to read?

Laura: Oh, this is hard! In romance, I’d probably say, Sharla Lovelace, Jill Shalvis, Jane Porter, JoAnn Mapson, Barbara Samuel O’neal, Pamela Morsi. I could go on and on . . . 

Crystal:  Is there a genre you haven't written that you would like to try?

Laura: I’d like to write a straight Women’s Fiction novel someday. I’m reading Wild, by Cheryl Strayed right now, and it’s phenomenal.

Crystal:  I'm sure you are super excited and nervous when a new book releases. Do you do anything special to celebrate the day?

Laura: Actually, most of the day is spent on social media, getting the word out!

Crystal: I'm going to admit it, I cry reading most of your books. They are so emotional. Do you cry when you are writing them?

Laura: Aw, thank you, Crystal! Okay, you’re going to make me confess – yes. I STILL cry at the end of The Sweet Spot, every time I read it!

Thank you SO much for having me, Crystal, and thanks for all you do for authors!

Crystal: You are so Welcome Laura. I so enjoy your work. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us lucky readers next. To see more of my reviews on Laura's work, go here

The Reasons to Stay by Laura Drake ~ Review ~

I just finished The Reasons to Stay by Laura Drake. Oh my goodness this wonderful lady never fails to amaze me. Each time I read her latest release I still seem to be amazed at how awesome she is. She can write a story that can just about break my heart in two but yet leave me with the most wonderful heart warming feeling at the end. She has a talent for stories that touch the heart. I'm still slightly overwhelmed with feeling so please forgive me if I gush a bit. I really enjoyed this story.

Priscilla Hart has to been searching for something all her life, she just doesn't know what it is. She likes foot loose and fancy free life that enables her to up and leave whenever and where ever she is.

All that is about to change. Her mother has passed away and her little brother Nacho has no one. Priss thinks she can walk away from the little boy who thinks he is a gangster. However Nacho somehow touches her hurt and she decides to be his guardian. Wow is she in for many life changes.

I loved watching Priss find her life slowly changing without her really even noticing. She's trying her best to be a mother figure to her brother and somehow get their life on track.

When she meets her hands landlord Adam sparks fly. However she thinks Adam is a stick in the mud and Adam is pretty sure she is a wild child gone wrong.

There are so many great points in this book but I sure do not want to spoil the story for you. So I'm going to stop talking before I spill anymore. I am going to say that you need to go grab your copy of this awesome heart touching story. I will place a Kleenex warning on this one though. You better grab a box before you settle in to start reading. Between Priss' past and the scars Adam is living with oh my are you going to need them.

Laura Drake quickly became a new favorite of mine with her very first book that I read. She's very talented and I can not wait to see what great story she comes up with next.

I was given the opportunity to read The Reason to Stay so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you.

Amazon Buy Link: 
 The Reason to Stay

The Sweet Spot by Laura Drake ~ Review

The Sweet Spot grabbed my attention from the beginning and held on to it all the way through to the end. Laura Drake has written a book with characters that are so compelling and charismatic that I could not stop turning pages. This is such a wonderful story full of strong emotion that deals with the pain of loss, the joy of finding a second chance at love, family, and friends. This story really tugged at my heart. With the loss of their son, the loss of their marriage, her father's illness & and finding their way back to each, there is a lot of drama and excitement that kept my interest. 

Charla Rae Denny's life completely fell apart and she just didn't know how to go on with life after the death of her son. Life continued but not in any way she was use to. She found herself in charge of everything from her Dad's health problems to the animals on the ranch. I don't want to give out to much of the story but one of my very favorite scenes is when Charla has to help one of the cows give birth to her calf. I admired her for the courage it took to stick it out and get that calf born alive. Charla has a lot more strength than even she knew she had. To me I think this was the turning point for Charla. Having helped with the birth process of a calf myself I know what she was going through. I think I also bonded a little more with Charla at this point.

JB Denny tried to reach out to his wife, Charla after they loss their son, it just didn't work. What I loved about JB is after he found his heart still belonged to Charla he didn't give up. He looked for ways back into her heart. JB may have done some things he's not proud of but he knows he has to earn the trust of his wife back in order to make it work. I just love a cowboy that goes after the girl he loves!

Another aspect that I really liked about this book is that both Charla and JB found friends that were able to support them and guide them along the way. I got a kick out of Charla's friend Bella. Bella is a city girl that has moved to the county, and this city girl adds some really humorous moments to the story.

If you enjoy a good second chance at love story I think you will enjoy this book, however you very well may want to grab that box of Kleenex. I really enjoyed Laura Drake's writing style and I look forward to reading more of her work. I can't wait to see what story she has in store next. 

I received an advanced reading copy of this book to read in order to share my opinion with you. It has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you on this touching story. 

Her Road Home By Laura Drake ~ Review ~ Excerpt ~

   
Her Road Home is the second opportunity I have had to read Laura Drake's work. Once again I have found  Ms. Drake to have tremendous talent writing a very emotionally touching story with compelling characters. I have to admit there were a few times I was reaching for the Kleenex box when reading this book.

Samantha Crozier has been through a lot in her life. She has scars from her past that are controlling her life and not in a good way. I found a deep connection with Sam and wanted to reach out and help her. She has emotional walls that she has built around herself in the process of redoing houses along her travels.  She has a tough and strong biker chick exterior but on the inside she is full of  deep emotions from her past. When she meets Nick she starts to long for all those things in life she has been running from. A place to call home and a love deep enough to share her secrets. 

I adored Nick, this man truly is a gentleman. Not only is he the hunky mechanic that can fix Sam's bike, he has the patience and caring to help Sam try to fix her life. How could you possibly not fall in love with this guy?  How could you possibly not fall in love with this guy? 

On the whole this book has my kind of mix of drama and romance. I found it to be a very enthralling read that had me turning the pages very quickly. 

Ms. Drake does a fabulous job of creating characters that feel like friends and story lines that can really touch your heart. She is certainly on my MUST read list! I can't wait to see what wonderful story she creates for us lucky readers next!


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Excerpt:

“Where did you learn to cook?”

He carried fresh cut pasta to the stove. “I’m full blooded Italian.” His back to her, he added, “My mom taught me. Those are my best memories – she cooked to Verde and while the pasta boiled, we’d dance in the kitchen.” The soft pain in his voice sounded like a bruise – an old, deep bruise.

 He turned, and held out a hand. “Will you dance?”

She stood like a scared rabbit. You don’t want to give him mixed messages.

The violin wove through the music, a crying thread of sadness.

He doesn’t want you, he wants a memory. You could give him that.

“Sam.”

She looked up.

His hand hung outstretched. “It’s only a dance.”

His soft smile convinced her. She stepped forward and took his hand.

It was large and warm, the calluses a reminder that this dance partner was also her mechanic. He swept her away, gliding across the kitchen, his steps sure and graceful. He held her classically, giving her space. But his pheromone-loaded working man smell bridged the gap. She took a long breath of him and held it, feeling no guilt – she was doing him a favor, after all. His strong arms supported her but didn’t push; suggesting movement rather than demanding. Relaxed in his surety, her awkward body shifted -- to something petite, fragile, almost graceful. She felt like Cinderella, at the ball. When he spun her, a bubble of joy rose in her chest until it burst from her mouth in a laugh.

If this man loves like he dances, any woman would be toast.

Not that she’d ever know. She stiffened, her fairy tale moment popping like a soap bubble.

He danced her back to the stove and pulled her into a brief, fierce hug. Lips beside her ear, he whispered, “Grazie, bella signora.” He released her, and stepped back.

She curtsied low. She had no idea why; surely it was the first curtsy of her life. But something in the formal passion of the old world music and his courtly manners made her feel . . . womanly.

He turned to the oven, missing her blush. You’re a little old to play princess, Crozier. And a Tiara doesn’t fit under a motorcycle helmet.

The Sweet Spot by Laura Drake ~ Interview ~ Excerpt~

Crystal: Today I am so happy to welcome Laura Drake to my blog. She has been kind enough to stop by and answer a few questions for me. I just had the pleasure of reading The Sweet Spot, her current release, and my review can be found on here of course. Thank you so much for stopping by today Laura, Would you share a little bit about yourself with us today?

Laura: I am a city girl, from Detroit, who never grew out of my tomboy ways, or a serious cowboy crush. In 1980, my sister and I packed our Pintos and moved to California, sight unseen. There I fell in love with the West, and my husband, a ‘bleed maroon’ Texas Aggie. I now aspire to be a Texan!

I began writing sixteen years ago. Three books and 413 rejections later, I sold! I retired the Corporate CFO gig last year to write, full time. I’m a wife, grandmother, and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours.

Crystal: Where did you come up with the idea for The Sweet Spot?

Laura: It evolved from my love of Pro Bull Riding. Charla is loosely patterned after my Mother-in-law, Edith. She’s an old-fashioned ranch wife, who majored in Home-Ec in college (yes, that was a major at one time!) She considered everything inside the house her job and outside, her husband’s. So I got to thinking, what if a woman like that suddenly had to run a ranch by herself? I love ‘fish out of water’ stories!

Crystal:  What are you currently working on?

Laura: I recently turned in the last book in my Sweet on a Cowboy series, and I’m writing a three book series; stories set in the same town as my ‘biker-chick’ novel, Her Road Home.

Crystal: Do you have anything else to be released soon? 

Laura: I have three books out this year! Next is Her Road Home, my ‘biker-chick’ novel. It will be released by Harlequin’s Superromance line in August. Then the second book in my Sweet on a Cowboy series, Nothing Sweeter, will be out in December.

Crystal: Do you have any special routine that you follow when you are writing? 

Laura: I get up to write every day at 3 am. Weekends too. It started years ago, when I’d get up two hours early to write before work. Now that I’m retired, I’m stuck with it – I have an alarm-cat that doesn’t have a snooze button. 

If it’s a good writing day, I’m done by 11 am. If it’s a ‘chip from stone’ day, I may work until 3 pm . . .or later.  But I’m loving every bit of it! It took me 16 years to get here, and I’m not stopping! 


Crystal: Who are some of your favorite authors that you like to read?

Laura: Oh wow, how much time do we have? You know writers are the biggest readers, right? 
Here’s just a few:
Barbara Samuel
Jody Piccoult
Jane Porter
Anne River Siddons
Sharla Lovelace
Pat Conroy
Herman Wouk
Stephen King
Ayn Rand
Jeffery Deaver
Tessa Dare
Yes, I can get a bit far afield…

Crystal: Did you do anything special to celebrate the release of The Sweet Spot?

Laura: I’ve felt like a Disney Princess, all week! I’ve had a newspaper and blog radio interview, a Twitter party with Tessa Dare, and Vicky Dreiling, who had releases the same day, Facebook postings from friends all over the country, posting photos of my book on the shelves….it’s been a ball!
But Cinderella is back to the cinders on Monday – I’ve got to turn off the internet, and write!

Crystal: Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share?

Laura: The Sweet Spot is an emotional, dramatic story. But there’s humor, too. This is a scene where the heroine, Charla, and her New Yorker friend brave the gossips at the Clip n Curl.
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Excerpt:

Bella wore the black faux leather like chain mail. It hugged every curve, bend, and hollow. As Bella crossed the sidewalk to the car, Char let her eyes slide to the knee high, stiletto slouch boots with silver chains across the instep, jingling like a cowboy’s spurs with every step. 
She leaned across the seat and clicked open the passenger side door. “I didn’t think to tell you, but women hereabouts don’t generally dress up for a trip to the Clip ‘n Curl.” 
Bella slinked in and slammed the door, her sea of black curls taking up almost as much space as her body. Her earrings matched the silver chains on her boots, and one strand stretched to a diamond stud in her nostril. She noticed Char’s stare. “Don’t worry, it’s a magnet, not a piercing.” She reached for the seat belt. “I figure, I’ve got a closetful of New York, Badass black, and if there ever was a day for it, it’s today.” The buckle snapped with a decisive click. 
Char glanced down at her own outfit. An old lady seersucker blue and white striped blouse with embroidered daisies, pedal pushers, and slip-on tennis shoes. “How about I drop you off and I’ll go shopping? I owe you a manicure for working on the ranch, but I don’t need to go.”
Bella stared through the windshield, a muscle working in her jaw. “If you think I’m going into that wolf’s den alone, you’d better think again.”
Char chuckled and put the car in gear. “Don’t tell me a tough city girl like you is afraid of a bunch of good ‘ol country gals. I don’t believe it.” She wheeled out of the apartment complex into the traffic on North Washington. 
“You’re kidding, right? Those women would eat their own young, then gossip while they picked their teeth with the bones.” Bella fingered the rings on her necklace as if they were prayer beads.
Char wheeled into the parking lot and slid into one of the few remaining spots.
She turned off the car and grabbed her purse from the floorboard. 
“Have you ever thought of a weave?” 
Char met Bella’s measuring gaze with a shake of her head. 
“Nothing crazy. I’m talking about a lighter shade of blond on the top layer, and around your face.” She cocked her head. “It would brighten your skin and set off those cornflower blue eyes.”
Char looked in the rearview mirror at herself. Same blonde, shoulder length hair she’d had since high school, caught up in the usual ponytail. But the light through the sunroof shone off the silver. When had that happened? Char ducked her head. Yeah, and then comes a touch-up every six weeks at forty bucks a pop. “Nah, maybe just a cut.” Char pulled herself out of the car. Bella unfurled from it like a starlet on the red carpet. She looked from herself to Bella. “We look like a joke about the grandma and the dominatrix.” 
Bella let out a startled bark of laughter. Then her face sobered as she looked toward the Clip ‘n Curl. “I’m regretting the decision to leave my leather whip home.”
As they approached the salon, Bella’s steps shortened, and her chin got higher.
She balked at the door, a little girl’s uncertainty on her face. Char leaned over, pulled the door open, and held it for her friend. “Come on, Sista. I’ll show you ‘round the ‘hood.” 
They walked in laughing. 

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