Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Review: Out of Control by Mary Connealy ~ Review


This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Out Of Control
Bethany House; Original edition (August 1, 2011)
by
Mary Connealy
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:   
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.


The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.


The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.
Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.
The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.


She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.


ABOUT THE BOOK   
Julia Gilliland has always been interested in the natural world around her. She particularly enjoys her outings to the cavern near her father's homestead, where she explores for fossils and formations, and plans to write a book about her discoveries. The cave seems plenty safe--until the day a mysterious intruder steals the rope she uses to find her way out.


Rafe Kincaid has spent years keeping his family's cattle ranch going, all without help from his two younger brothers, who fled the ranch--and Rafe's controlling ways--as soon as they were able. He's haunted by one terrible day at the cave on a far-flung corner of the Kincaid property, a day that changed his life forever. Ready to put the past behind him, he plans to visit the cave one final time. He sure doesn't expect to find a young woman trapped in one of the tunnels--or to be forced to kiss her!


Rafe is more intrigued by Julia than any woman he's ever known, but how can he overlook her fascination with the cave he despises? And when his developing relationship with Julia threatens his chance at reconciliation with his brothers, will he be forced to choose between the family bonds that could restore his trust and the love that could heal his heart?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Out Of Control, go HERE.
Watch the book trailer:



MY REVIEW:

Mary Connealy knows how to write Old West fiction. She knows the setting and surroundings and paints them with great dexterity on the pages of her books. I’m always taken there.

I don’t really know how it happens, but the characters always make me snort and giggle. Julia and Rafe can be a hoot (especially when the other is being a bit thick. ;-)

I enjoyed the other elements brought into the story, the caves, the fossil hunt and the bit of the mystery surrounding the strange things happening.

Of course in any Connealy book, you have the tough heroine and the rough and tumble hero who can crumble his tough heroine to her knees with his kiss.

I didn’t completely fall in love with these characters like I have with other books. I liked the story, it was good! But I just didn’t completely fall in love with Julia like Rafe did.

But let me say this one thing and I will leave my review as it be: the cave scene…wow. That was one romantic scene. When the characters thought all was lost, it was a moment I didn’t want to end too soon. Great moment of fiction!

It’s a sweet cover and fun story. Wonder if Ethan’s story is next?

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.

4 comments:

  1. Great review, Miss Casey! LOVE Mary's books!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I found Out of Control to be absolutely delightful. I'm glad Mary planned a series so we will meet the characters again. I've read a blurb about the next book: it features Ethan and Audra. I'm assuming the third book is Seth's story. I was laughing out loud one minute, then was caught up in the suspense the next. Towards the end, I could not put it down, just had to stay up late and finish.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Michelle! A pleasure as always. :)

    PAM, I'm thinking the 3rd one is about Seth too. That should be a really interesting book, because he seems like such an unlikely hero. Just like Wade though! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm giggling right along with you! Mary entertains me every time.

    http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2011/08/01/out-of-control-by-mary-connealy/

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for stopping by, I love to hear from those who traffic my blog! Have a wonderful day. :)