A Pocket Star EBook Kentucky Derb-E Treat ~ The Aspen Valley Series by Colette Auclair ~ Giveaway

A Pocket Star EBook Kentucky Derb-E Treat!

 The Kentucky Derby is just one week away and Pocket Books has offered me the chance to give you the opportunity to win EBooks Thrown, Jumped, and Branded in Colette Auclair’s award-winning Aspen Valley series! All you have to do is leave me a comment below. My question for you is do you watch the Kentucky Derby? If so do you have a favorite picked for this year yet? 

The Aspen Valley Series:

THROWN (December 2013; $5.99) is the first book in The Aspen Valley Series.  Professional horse trainer Amanda Vogel dreams of riding jumpers in the Olympics, but after seeing her best friend die in a riding accident, she’s so traumatized she can’t compete. Broke and desperate, she takes a summer job in Aspen teaching some big-shot widowed movie star’s spoiled daughters to ride—and braces herself for three miserable months. But the movie star is funny, down-to-earth, and gorgeous—and his spoiled daughters are just desperate for a mother figure. By Labor Day, she has to choose between capturing a gold medal…and the man who has captured her heart.

My Review: I love animals of all shapes and sizes and horses hold a special place in my heart. So I knew I was really going to enjoy Thrown by Colette Auclair. Not only is there plenty of scenes with the beautiful horses and the adorable little girls riding them, there is a nice romance, some wonderful friendship stories, and over all just a very entertaining story line......... Read the rest of my review here  

Amazon Buy Link 

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JUMPED (August 2014; $5.99), the second book in The Aspen Valley Series, is Colette Auclair’s steamy sequel to her “page-turning debut” (Library Journal), Thrown. A young woman in the equestrian fashion business finds herself head over heels for her ex-husband.  Thoroughly enjoying herself at her best friend Amanda’s wedding, Beth is shocked when she is seated next to her ex-husband, Finn, at the reception. Determined to not let this fluster her, Beth strikes up a conversation only to learn Finn isn’t the same man she walked away from. 

Relieved the reception is over, Beth is looking forward to a relaxing weekend against the beautiful backdrop of sunny Aspen at Amanda and Grady’s estate.  Little does she know Finn will be partaking in the weekend activities.  But just as Beth decides to keep as much distance between her and Finn as possible, Finn has a terrible accident and Beth is stuck being his bedside nurse.  Over the course of the weekend, Beth and Finn discover that the wounds of their failed marriage are not all that’s left. There are sparks…and hope. But just as they decide to give it another try, Finn confesses a huge secret that could destroy everything he’s fought to get back—Beth, their relationship, and another chance at love.  Will Beth turn away, or will she take a leap of faith and say “I do” once (again) and for all? 

My Review: I have had the pleasure of reading both of the books in the Aspen Valley series by Colette Auclair. I have enjoyed each story and found Ms. Auclair's characters to fun and entertaining to read about. I also like how she incorporates the horses into the storyline. I have to admit to being an animal lover so any time animals are included in a storyline I'm hooked....... Read the rest of my review here 

Amazon Buy Link 

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BRANDED (December 2014; $5.99), the third book in The Aspen Valley Series, will take readers on a wild and dreamy ride through the beautiful valleys and mountains of Colorado.  Professional, polite, and pearl-wearing, dressage rider and resort consultant Cordy Sims is the last person anyone would expect to initiate a weekend of debauchery. And yet, that’s exactly what she does after meeting a handsome stranger at an Aspen resort. Agreeing that they’ll leave personal details at the door, they indulge in a memorable weekend of carnal recreation. On Sunday night, Cordy doesn’t want to leave this charming, seductive man, but she must play by her own rules.

On Monday, Cordy sits in a meeting at the ad agency that’s hired her as a freelancer, and her professional and personal worlds collide. Turns out agency owner Jack Cormier looks just as good in the boardroom as he did in the bedroom. Forced to work together, Cordy and Jack can’t ignore the chemistry that crackles between them, or the deeper feelings that have developed. But secrets and scars from their pasts may prove too formidable, even for a love that’s as powerful as it is unexpected. 

My Review: Branded is the third book in the Aspen Valley series by Colette Auclair. I have had the opportunity to read all three books. They have all been very enjoyable reads. They have each had really nice covers as well. I think Branded is my favorite so far, check out that beautiful horse. That alone would make me want to read this book....... Read the rest of my review here

Amazon Buy Link 

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Colette Auclair has been a copywriter for more than twenty years.  She’s ridden and shown horses since she was ten and owns a lovely twenty-year-old Thoroughbred mare.  Thrown, her first novel, was a 2012 Golden Heart finalist in the single-title contemporary romance category.  It also won the 2011 Winter Rose Contest (Yellow Rose Romance Writers) and finaled in the 2011 Cleveland Rocks Romance Contest (NE Ohio Romance Writers Assoc.)  Jumped is second and Branded is third in the Aspen Valley series.  Please visit coletteauclair.com.

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Praise for The Aspen Valley Series:

“The story portrays two convincingly flawed but likeable characters who find each other’s aults both provocative and exciting, as they try to decide whether a second chance at marriage is worth the risk.”

—Publishers Weekly on Jumped

“Harris, the Brunswicks’ chef, is a clairvoyant Cupid, full of honest evaluations of people and their love lives. He adds a spark to the story as Auclair continues to build her cast of series characters and develop their varied personalities.”

—Library Journal on Jumped

“In JUMPED, the author returns to the Aspen area with many of the same characters that were in her well–received debut novel, THROWN…Major and minor characters are interesting and likable, and the friendships add to the primary romance. There will be at least one more book in the series. Look for BRANDED to release in December. If you like horses, a tangled relationship, and a series that flows from one book to the next, check out these titles.”

—Romance Reviews Today on Jumped

“If you’re looking for a highly entertaining, fast-paced, horsey beach read, Jumped should fill the bill.”

—Horse Nation on Jumped

“There is enough tension among all the forces at play to keep the pages turning. Debut novelist Auclair is a 2012 Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, winner of the 2011 Winter Rose Contest, and a finalist in the 2011 Cleveland Rocks Romance Contest.  Recommended for most romance fans.”

—Library Journal on Thrown

“Romantic fiction with an equestrian theme gets a fun new twist in this novel which follows trainer Amanda Vogel… the star is single, handsome, and has the hots for Amanda. But both characters are carrying hefty loads of their own baggage, and as they navigate through various dramas and horse-related mishaps, the layers (both physical and psychological) start to come off. Thrown weaves horses into the story with a practiced tone, and the accuracy of equine knowledge and horse people adds to the plot. For a fun, entertaining read, be sure to pick up this debut novel by Colette Auclair.” 

—Horse & Style on Thrown

“Totally accurate, as far as HorseGirls go…Colette Auclair nails the horse stuff…whether it’s describing Amanda’s selection of appropriate mounts for Grady’s beginner daughters, or setting up a human cross-country course for the girls to play Olympics over, or accurately detailing an episode of colic (including the joy when the horse finally poops), or explaining the feeling of connecting with a once-in-a-lifetime horse…my favorite part about the book, aside from the discussions of how horse training prepares just about anyone for human training…is the humor…Aside from getting the horse stuff right, the characters are also well-developed…The story is quite a page-turner, so be prepared to be completely unable to stop–like a runaway horse except actually fun.  And the book does have one pretty detailed sex scene and multiple explicit make out sessions, so it’s not for kids. Bottom line: if you like romantic comedies, you’ll definitely enjoy Thrown.”

—Horse Nation on Thrown

Branded by Colette Auclair ~ Aspen Valley #3 ~ Review

Branded is the third book in the Aspen Valley series by Colette Auclair. I have had the opportunity to read all three books. They have all been very enjoyable reads. They have each had really nice covers as well. I think Branded is my favorite so far, check out that beautiful horse. That alone would make me want to read this book. 

Cordy Sims has taken a job in Aspen to get away from home. She needs some time away from her family and friends of a very dramatic decision she has made. She has no intention of meeting a handsome gentleman and speeding a wild weekend with him. However when she meets Jack Cormier when he "accidentally" drops something from the sky, things change. Cordy and Jack have an instant attraction and they both decide to explore where things may lead for the weekend. 

Jack and Cordy are pretty steamy right from the start of their relationship. When Monday rolls around and they are suppose to part ways neither is ready. However that is the agreement they made so they part ways.

Cordy has a job to do and this strong willed lady is going to do her best to get it done. I loved her reaction when she finds out that her relationship with Jack isn't quite over. It's changed a little bit now though. Instead of steaming up the bedroom they are now working together to create the perfect plan for a new client. 

I had the opportunity to meet Jack in Jumped, the second book in the Aspen Valley series, so it was really nice to read his story. He is one interesting fellow that certainly has a way with the ladies especially Cordy. 

As some of you know I love series books because I LOVE to catch up with old friends. In Branded I got to see what Beth and Finn have been up to since Jumped. It was also great to see  Amanda, Grady, and the girls. Oh and how could I possibly forget Harris. We all need a Harris around. This guy is funny, the best friend anyone could ask for, and has a talent for making interesting drinks that are just what is needed for the moment. 

There are also horses included in this lovely story. Of course they were one of my favorite parts of the story. I love when animals are included in the storyline. 

I am going to issues a Kleenex warning on this story. There is one part that you are going to need those tissues so grab them before you start reading. I don't want to tell you what happens but you will certainly know what I'm talking about while you are dabbing your eyes reading.

I really enjoy Colette Auclair's writing style and creativity. Her characters are fun, friendly, and entertaining to read about. I have enjoyed each of my visits to Aspen Valley.  I can not wait to see what she wonderful 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 Branded. 

You may read my reviews of the other two books in the Aspen Valley series here.

Amazon Buy Links:

 Branded

 Jumped

 Thrown 

Jumped by Colette Auclair ~ Aspen Valley #2 ~ Review

I have had the pleasure of reading both of the books in the Aspen Valley series by Colette Auclair. I have enjoyed each story and found Ms. Auclair's characters to fun and entertaining to read about. I also like how she incorporates the horses into the storyline. I have to admit to being an animal lover so any time animals are included in a storyline I'm hooked. 

Beth has a wonderful talent of teaching students to show horses. She has always put her students first in her life. Now she has taken on a new challenge and has started a new career. Just when she thinks she has her life all put together in walks in her handsome, charming ex-husband. Who is just as sexy as always and the attraction is still very much there. At first both Beth and Finn are a little nervous but as they spend more time together at a friends wedding the relax and enjoy the time together. As the weekend winds down Beth is ready to go on with her life without Finn, she thinks. However when Finn is injured and requires care Beth is the first to step up to help.

I loved watching Beth taking care of Finn and discovered that all those old feelings are still lingering under the surface. However there are many feelings and emotions that Beth has to cross to find her way back to Finn. Beth has been through a lot and discovers things about her past that surprise even her. 

Finn knows that he still has feelings for Beth, he just has to convince her they are strong enough to take a chance at a second chance. I loved watching Finn show Beth how he has changed and what their life could be like. 

There is plenty of drama that comes along with Beth and Finn exploring their relationship again. So many things were left unsaid and unshared when they divorced. Now everything is coming to the surface and bringing so many new and different feelings for these two. 

I  enjoyed getting a chance to catch up with Harris, who would not enjoy spending some time with this quirky fellow. Oh my goodness I think he would be the life of the party anywhere! 

I love series books because of the opportunity to catch up with old friends. I loved that Amanda, Grady, Wave and Solstice played a part in this storyline as well. 

I have to say that I find Colette Auclair's writing style enjoyable and entertaining. She has once again written a fun, drama filled romance story that kept my attention from the beginning to end. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. I will be anxiously awaiting her next story. 

I was given the opportunity to read this 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 Jumped. 

You may read my review on Colette Auclair's other book Thrown here. 

I was pleased to host a Pocket Star-E Nights spotlight. You may read more about Jumped here. 

Amazon Buy Links:

 Jumped

 Thrown