Ann B. Harrison

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

This book would make a great Hallmark movie, it was cheesy and kind of corny and a had a sweet ending. This certainly wasn’t a bad book and I think a lot of people would definitely enjoy it, especially since its set right around the Christmas holiday (which is a great time to fall in love!). For me personally though this book did not do the trick. The main character, Dakota, and even many other women in the show more novel are very insecure and self-doubting. I understand we all have moments like this but they’re all successful self-employed business owners and I feel like to earn yourself that kind of success you wouldn’t then constantly be downplaying every thing you do like its not good enough. That got to me a little. The descriptions of the interactions between men and women in the book too seemed very old-fashioned in a way that was off-putting to me, specifically when one of the older men in town is trying to talk Dakota into going to have a drink with Adam and afterwards she goes to change. The narration says “Ever since the decision had been taken out of her hands” – you can stop right there, this is not the girl for me. If you want to go that’s fine but don’t say that the decision wasn’t yours to make because that’s pretty ridiculous.

So anyways I don’t want to go on a rant, other than those types of things the book was a cute read and it was exactly the kind of story I’d expect to see on the Hallmark channel during the month before Christmas – heart-warming and sappy. I would recommend it to anyone who’s pining for a good Christmas love story after the holidays 🙂 show less

After damaging one of her hands in a car accident, Dakota not only lost her ability to create jewelry but lost her fiance' as well. Feeling she would never be able to get her life back if she didn't get away from her coddling parents, she moved to Cherry Lake. Eager to fit into the community, she volunteered to work on the community's annual Christmas tree gala.

Adam came back to Cherry Lake to take over his father's real estate business. His father had just had a serious heart attack and show more Adam wanted to give him time to recover without worrying about the business. The timing was perfect since Adam's soccer team was on a break. This is where Dakota met Adam. When he to volunteered for the Christmas tree gala, they found that they worked well together. This just made their mutual attraction stronger. However, since Adam was only there for a short time, he didn't want to start anything with Dakota. But you can't control the heart.

I really liked Dakota and Adam. I couldn't help feel sorry for Dakota after having the accident. Not being able to make jewelry as she loved to (and was famous for) was devastating for her. I admired her determination to find another way to be creative. Adam was a good man who didn't hesitate to help out his family and community, even though he was struggling with his own problems. Should he retire or not? With constant soccer-related injuries, he needed to decide soon.

This is a wonderful story about friendship, community and love. It will keep you smiling as you follow this couple in their relationship and the events taking place around Christmas time.

I was happy to receive this book from Library Thing and give my opinion of it. show less

Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/02/indie-book-review-red-hot-by-ann-b.h...

Red Hot is a sexy novella about a man named Red. He is shy and nerdy. He is a scientist who buries his life in his work. But one thing he loves is his motorcycle especially when he is sexual frustrated. After one day of working, he rides home on his motorcycle. But things go for a spin after he swerves out of the way from running over a baby deer in the middle of the road. He then meets a show more peculiar woman named Rhian who heals him in a matter of seconds. She s nice to him, too nice he thinks. He thinks she is up to something and is weird, but cute. Rhian doesn't know why Red is so shy and a social outcast. He doesn't feel comfortable in his own skin. But she has every intention on breaking his shell...maybe with a little magic.

Oh my goodness, I loved this little read. It was smoking hot, but had a lot of emotional moments as well. Red was just downright perfect in my opinion. Again I ask, “Where are these kind of men hiding?!” It isn't fair dammit! He was just adorable and hot all at once. I really connected with him because I know how it is. He was just amazing. I especially loved him even more half way through the book when he really got out of his shell. Oh my goodness, no cold shower will help you here. Trust me. I also love Rhian. She killed me in this book. The woman was funny as hell. She was quirky and wasn't born with a filter. Her mouth gets away from her and that just made her more fun. She wanted Red and she let him know. No beating around the bush at all. I liked that a lot.

I love the story – a nerd meets a witch. That just makes me smile because of all the things that would be insane with that scenario. But I love how much Rhian tries to help Red. He really sold himself short and it was awful especially when we meet one of Red's ex-girlfriends' who I swear is demon spawn. The trick she pulled in this book...oh man. I wanted to reach into the pages and strangle her. I love the struggle between them and the obstacles they had to face specifically Red. He had his own demons to face and it was nice to see where it went.

I absolutely adored this. It was fun, sexy, and sweet. It was a great blend. The dialogue between the characters was a lot of fun again due to Rhian. She had such a strange way of speaking and I guess it was due to her Irish lithe. But you would have sworn she was full Irish. Same thing with Red actually. Did he grow up in Australia or something? I just want to know. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a fun and short read, this is the perfect choice. It will leave you smiling and sweating. show less

The Convenient Cowboy by Ann B. Harrison
The Hansen Brothers #2

Nate Hansen needs a job
Joy Mitchell needs a ranch hand that won’t leave
She’s at the end of her rope
She’s a widow and mother of a toddler
She’s running out of steam
He might be able to help her on the ranch and keep it away from a conniving relative
BUT
Is a marriage of convenience really the only way to solve their problems?
Read the book and see.

I liked the dynamics between Nate, Joy and Toby. The romance was slow growing show more and by the time they truly sealed the deal they knew one another well enough to have a good chance at a future together. I have to say that I didn’t see them as a couple in the beginning or understand the reason for the marriage as I have in other marriage of convenience romances but it is also difficult to write a more modern day book of this genre with a truly convincing reason for the marriage...or so it seems. The villains were a bit over the top as was Joy’s sister. The plot was somewhat predicable and yet...I did enjoy the story and found myself hoping that Nate, Joy and Toby would get their HEA.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars show less