Catching Rose (Calhan Brides) by Virginia Barlow (Book Review)

Rose Tanner dreamed of a fairytale wedding her whole life. But when her prince leaves her at the altar, she wants to know why. Traveling to Texas for answers she finds more than she bargained for. Captured by a human trafficking ring, she fights for freedom. Risking her life to help the other women with her, she discovers there’s more to happy ever after than she thought.

Texas Ranger Chase Calhan wants one thing, to capture El Diablo’s men so he can marry Rose. When they get to her first, he races against time to catch Rose before it’s too late.

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

Chase and Rose’s story was everything I hoped it would be. It had suspense, action, life-and-death choices, passion, and deception. 

Chase and Rose first met at Shanna and Reese’s wedding, which took place in  A Fallacious Seduction. I don’t know if it was love at first sight, but if nothing else, it was lust at first sight. Almost two years later, the happy couple were supposed to be getting married. Unfortunately, Rose is left wondering why her fiancé missed their wedding to save “Grace.” Women readers will side with Rose’s need to hunt down her fiancé and get her much-deserved answers. 

Chase and Rose have multiple misunderstandings throughout this tale. Lucky for Chase, Rose has a forgiving heart. There was one moment that most women or men would not be so forgiving of. (No spoilers; you’ll know what I am referring to when you read it.) 

Overall, readers will be impressed with Rose’s strength and how she didn’t allow fear to stop her from fighting back against the enemies. She even put others’ safety ahead of her own. She grew as a character and became the shining star of this book! 

Okay, Chase wasn’t a slouch either. He showed viewers and his adversaries how skillful he was with knives. He never gave up searching for Rose and even spit in the eye of the Grim Reaper to get back to her. Chase and Rose deserved a happily ever after, and they got one!

I can’t wait to see who will capture Max’s (the confirmed bachelor for life) heart. I also can’t wait to see Madelaine find her second chance at love. 

Catching Rose does revolve around a (possible) sensitive topic: human trafficking. Women were abused, which could be another trigger. The abuse scenes were not graphic; the author noted whips used and cuts and bruises were present on the prisoners. 

Catching Rose possesses a steamy tub accompanied by a bed love scene. Warning: It might make you hot under the collar, so turn up the air conditioning and enjoy the couple’s first time together. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤1/2

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Meet the Author

I love being an author. It’s all about where your characters lead you. I start with a general idea. As the story unfolds I type as fast as I can in hopes I keep up with my characters.They have had me jotting on napkins, making notes while I’m waiting in a line, and waking me up in the middle of the night. The hard part is always the ending. My characters live with me and when I reach the end of the story, it is hard to say goodbye.Sometimes I let the story sit for a few days to make sure I’m okay with them leaving home to get published. Kind of like when you kids move out. LOL

I enjoy my grandchildren, and the time I share with them. They make me smile with their antics. I like to quilt, crochet, knit and sew. Cooking and baking are occasional itches I scratch. The rest of the time, they are necessary evils. LOL.

My greatest support comes from my husband. He has been my sounding board for all my stories. My daughters are also a great support to me. I couldn’t do it without my family.

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