Pure Jonel ~ Confessions of a Bibliophile: Riding Hard & Riding Home by Vicki Lewis Thompson

By: Unknown on Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Title: Riding Hard
Series: Sons of Chance #15/Harlequin Blaze #808
Author: Vicki Lewis Thompson
Published: June 17/14 by Harlequin
Length: 224pgs
Format: ecopy
Genre: contemporary romance
Shelf: Netgalley
Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Sometimes a cowboy needs a second chance…

Some mistakes can't be undone. After making the absolute worst decision of his life, horse veterinarian Drake Brewster will do whatever it takes to make amends with his best friend. And it starts with a summer at the Last Chance Ranch. But not everyone is thrilled about it…especially bartender and psych student Tracy Gibbons.

Tracy sees the world in shades of right and wrong—and what Drake did was Very Definitely Wrong. Worse yet, her promise to babysit a horse sanctuary means relying on Drake. And that's where Tracy finds herself in a serious dilemma. He's the one person she can't trust, but she wants Drake something fierce…and the feeling is fiercely mutual! But if she climbs into the saddle, will she be ready for the ride?

My Review:

Thompson has crafted a remarkable tale that combines self-reflection with hands on ranch action. Subtle meets vivid in her writing, creating a real life experience for the readers. Thompson actually uses symbolism throughout this novel to draw her readers towards certain conclusions or events without stating it outright. Oh, and the hat. Thompson killed me with the hat. It was absolutely priceless. And the symbolism was perfect. I also love how she alludes to previous events at Last Chance Ranch and in the surrounding areas without stating it outright. This allows readers to start reading at this instalment without losing a blink. It also adds a sense of nostalgia for returning readers.

I enjoyed every moment spent getting to know the characters that carry this story forward. Not only does Thompson develop them in the past and present, but we also see what they want for the future. The supporting cast gets little to no development within the pages of this novel. The assumption is that readers had met them previously. Even if you haven’t read about them in the past, you get to know them well enough to serve their roles in this story, especially since this story is focused almost solely on the main characters.

All in all, this scrumptious novel is a must read for all those who enjoy romance, cowboys, and some good old southern charm.

Title: Riding Home
Series: Sons of Chance #16/Harlequin Blaze #807
Author: Vicki Lewis Thompson
Published: July 15/14 by Harlequin

Length: 224pgs
Format: ecopy
Genre: contemporary romance
Shelf: Netgalley
Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Perfect is good.

Imperfect is even better…

City-slicker lawyer Jeannette Trenton is about as welcome at the Last Chance Ranch as a rattlesnake at a square dance. She's there to atone for one major mistake. But Jeannette's pretty sure righting her big wrong does not include thinking lustful thoughts about the ranch's new cowhand….

Zach Powell knows Jeannette's type—a wound-up-tight perfectionist with one eye on her email at all times. Heck, that used to be him. She needs to shake it loose, face her imperfections and allow herself to make mistakes. There's definitely no mistake about the wickedly sexy vibe between them. This gal is gonna have to "cowboy up"…or miss the ride of her life!

My Review:

This was definitely an intriguing love story. Thompson uses the age old city girl falls for country boy but throws in one heck of a twist. She also does so with a flair for life, and for second chances. She adds in a touch of heat and creates a winner. Thompson has a knack for storytelling that draws you into this captivating world & keeps you there throughout her intriguing tale.

The characters in this novel are quite unique. In spite of all of their similarities they are quite different individuals. Thompson develops them so seamlessly and fully that you feel that you know them personally. It makes it quite easy to get into the story. You feel like you’ve been invited into the family. These are such strong characters that they carry the story on their own. The supporting cast is an additional bonus.

Overall, this is the type of story that not only takes you on a joy ride & warms your heart, but also one that makes you think about your own life in a new life.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Riding Hard & Riding Home by Vicki Lewis Thompson

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