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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A Fallacious Seduction by Virginia Barlow (Book Review)

Winner of The Crowned Heart of Excellence by InD’tale Magazine!
Nominated for Book of the Year by InD’tale Magazine 2021!
Nominated for Book of the Year by N.N. Light’s Book Heaven 2021!

 

A sassy heroine and an alpha lawman clash in an epic tale of mistaken identity by the author of The Wicked Sister!

When the train US Marshal Reese Calhan is riding on explodes, he is one of two survivors. Trouble is, the other survivor is the woman who betrayed him years ago. A woman he thought was dead. This time he will not fall prey to her wiles. He’ll see the vixen jailed for her crimes if it kills him.

Recovering from a recent jilting and now a train explosion, Shanna Johnston has no idea why the handsome stranger insists he knows her and calls her by another woman’s name. His heated looks and knowing kisses spark a fire in her she cannot ignore–even as her own mysterious past is closing in.

Will the two put their differences aside long enough to fall in love?

Purchase A Fallacious Seduction today and find out what happens next!

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

 

One of my earliest memories revolves around my mom watching soap operas. From 11-3, she watched one after another. Her soaps featured romance, lies, betrayal, suspense, and wild storylines. You could never trust a character to be dead because people notoriously defied death. And if a character did, in fact, meet their maker, a person could return to the show as a twin. A Fallacious Seduction had every quality of a daytime soap opera except it’s set in 1870, not present-day like what you’ll find airing on TV. 

A Fallacious Seduction has a dramatic start when an explosion rockets a train off the track, leaving only two survivors: Shanna and US Marshall Reese Calhan. One could question the validity of only two survivors or how convenient it was that Reese’s horse (Pegasus) also survived the fiery crash. And what are the chances Reese would come face-to-face with a woman he thought died years ago? But in the land of fiction, there are no rules.

Most of the story centers on four points: Reese is adamant that Shanna is his ex and wanted criminal Jenna. Shanna firmly and repeatedly refuted his allegations. Reese keeps questioning where Jenna’s boys are. Reese fights his attraction to a woman that shattered his heart. The more they battle over Shanna’s identity, the more it becomes crystal clear why Shanna looks like Jenna. It was blatantly obvious. Why couldn’t Reese see it? Oh yeah, the writer didn’t want him to…yet. But, one pivotal moment gave Reese undeniable proof that Shanna was not Jenna! 

Shanna and Jenna looked the same, but that’s where their similarities stopped. Jenna is a character you’ll love to hate. Shanna is a fearless heroine who will defend herself against any man, and her self-preservation skills were tested on multiple occasions. She has big cojones!

A Fallacious Seduction has a sweet ending – mirroring everything Shanna always wanted. (Read the story for more information). 

If you like historical or western romance novels, check out A Fallacious Seduction! 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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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Twitter/X Link

 

 

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The Great Inventor of the Stars by Avery Davis (Book Spotlight)

The Master is the Great Inventor and Sam is his apprentice. Sam is given the task of making sure the Master can see the people on earth at night because at night there is only darkness. In sending the newest invention, the Moon into orbit Sam breaks the sky but finds the solution with the ultimate invention of the Stars.

 
 
 
 
 
-Gold-Living Now Book Awards
-Finalist-The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
-Finalist-International Book Awards
-Honorable Mention-Purple Dragonfly Winner
-Honorable Mention-Hollywood Book Festival
-Honorable Mention-Royal Dragonfly Winner
-Honorable Mention-Story Monsters Approved
 
 
 
 
Joanie (Amazon) 5 stars: “This is a unique book with gorgeous illustrations that fit so well with the words and ideas the author has chosen. Her book will be finding its home in our Waldorf library on Maui and I know will be enjoyed thoroughly by the students as well as the teachers. Hoping Avery has another book in the works as she is very talented and knows how to pique one’s interest as I couldn’t wait to turn the page.”
 
Readers’ Favorite:With brilliantly colorful illustrations, this tale leads the reader through an alternate creation analogy. In presenting the story, the author encourages young readers to think creatively, to follow through with their creative thoughts, and not to be discouraged when they think their creation is a disaster because sometimes great things come out of disasters, as Sam found out.”
 
 
 
 

Meet the Author

Avery Davis graduated in Environmental Law. She lives half of the year in Cordova, Alaska as a fisherman’s wife and the other half drying off in the deserts of Utah. She is the mother of three, who love a good bedtime story.

Reedsy Author Link
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Silhouette of the Sun by Avery Davis (Book Spotlight)

Honorable Mention-The New York Book Festival

This is the story of three strong and determined women, weathering love and loss in the pursuit of independence. Constance is an entomologist and single mother providing for her Anna at a time when providing was prominently done by men. Anna is an artist who must choose between cancer treatment or completing her pregnancy. Paige is Anna’s daughter who is guided in her dreams to fulfill her potential of curing cancer by listening to the whisperings of her mother and grandmother. Drew is the man who ties them all together.

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D (Amazon) 5 stars:This is an excellent first novel that tackles deeply complex themes. Well placed twists and turns reveal character growth and triumph that will stay with me for some time.”

Megan (Amazon) 5 stars: “This book was beautifully written. The author’s attention for detail is phenomenal. The rich descriptions of her scenes transports the reader. The characters in the book are splendidly developed and your attachment to them will keep you entranced in the book until the end. A great read from start to finish!”

Kindle Customer (Amazon) 4 stars: “This complex story of three women’s lives, told through their eyes, kept me wondering how their lives would relate. Initially, I felt frustrated that more wasn’t revealed about the first character. As the book progressed, however, the author reveals the three characters’ relationships in a very interesting way. The important influences each one had on their daughter’s, granddaughter’s and great-granddaughter’s life was intricately woven throughout the story. At times heartbreaking, this book explores many past and present women’s challenges and delves into a future where important ethical decisions need to be made. It’s ending is inspiring and gratifying.”

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Meet the Author

 

Avery Davis graduated in Environmental Law. She lives half of the year in Cordova, Alaska as a fisherman’s wife and the other half drying off in the deserts of Utah. She is the mother of three, who love a good bedtime story.

Reedsy Author Link
Amazon Author Page Link

 

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