If there is one thing you need to know about Connealy's novels it is that: (1) there is always a heartwarming romance and (2) there is always a group of handsome Fired Up is full of romance, cowboys, adventure and a story that reveals the healing of past wounds and learning to forgive.
Being the second installment of the Trouble in Texas, readers can be reassured that this novel can easily be read as a stand-alone. Personally, I did not read the first novel, yet, Connealy is able to tune her readers into the lives of her new and previous characters. Clearly, the two main characters of this story were present in the first novel, but each character is given an introduction and a little background story. This helps considerably for someone who didn't read the first book to feel much more comfortable to continue with reading without feeling left out.
But, enough talk about it being the second book! On with the rest of the review!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 bookshelves
Set in the wild terrains of Texas in the year 1868 a doctor who attracts danger falls for a cook determined to make it on her own.
Dare Riker -- one of the most coolest names for a doctor -- saves lives, yet, instead of battling to keep his patients alive, Dare finds himself fighting for his own life. A persistent force seems to want to get rid of him-- permanently. Dare Riker has a story that includes physical scars and seeing things that can't be unseen. He is also a passionate, determined and honorable man ready to fight for the people he loves. I liked Dare from his first line. He is a likable character. He is the type of man you would want by your side if you lived in rural Texas. Even if he doesn't consider himself a "certified" doctor he definitely knows more than most. What's also really admirable about Dare is the challenge he took on when it came to trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.
Glynna Greer also has a story. It all started when she came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in one bad situation to the next. Burying two husbands can be a damper for some people. Not for Glynna though. She pushed through it all. Through all the pain -- emotionally and physically. The will of a mother was motivation enough to make a life that wasn't dependent on men who have done well in failing them. In order to support her son and daughter she opens a diner. Even though she can't cook worth a dime, the men of Broken Wheel, Texas, are desperate enough to overlook the "dried-out beef and blackened biscuits."
Glynna is unsettled by her feelings for Dare for a couple of reasons. One, she doesn't want to be trapped in another marriage. Two, she can't help but notice that danger and Dare seem to go hand in hand. There's an avalanche and then a fire, and things really get chaotic when someone plunges a knife from Glynna's diner into Dare's back. Are all of these plotted by past enemies or new ones? And can Dare live long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?
As you can tell there is a lot that goes on in this book! So if you are one of those readers that wants something to happen every few chapters this book does exactly that. For me it was almost a little overwhelming at times. There also is the fact that Mary has a lot of characters that I can tell are being set up for the next book which she is great at doing! Personally, I'm just one of those readers that really likes to see a few characters (at the least) evolve from point A to point B. If anything I wished for more one on one between Dare and Glynna and her children.
Nonetheless, Fired Up is an enjoyable read, and if you also enjoy Mary Connealy's previous works I think you would take a liking to her newest trilogy as well.
Fired Up (Trouble in Texas, Book 2) hits stores September 15, 2013!
For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.
No comments:
Post a Comment