Title: Embracing Hope (Cowboys of Sagebrush Rose Book 5)
Author: Rhonda Lee Carver
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Book Blurb:
Isaac had always been told “never mix business and pleasure,” but how can he resist when Hope teases him into forgetting the rules and his dark streak?
After a tragic event forced wounded soldier Isaac Markum into early retirement from special ops, he’s content with working his family-owned ranch and staying out of the limelight. Until, he’s expected to oversee the merger between Markum Farms and Sagebrush Rose Ranch. From the start, he’s been against the merger, so as far as he’s concerned, it’ll never happen. However, a chance encounter with a Rose might change his mind and melt his icy heart.
Things are falling apart at Sagebrush Rose. Sam Rose has demanded that his daughters marry. He’s revealed that he has cancer, and when a ranch hand is killed on the property, the patriarch and his family are under scrutiny. Markum Farms is second-guessing the merger. The last thing Hope wants is to play an agreeable host for some brooding cowboy with a reputation of being a bad boy to secure the transition. And then there is the minor detail that she had a one-night fling with him. It’s a long story she doesn’t want her father to hear.
Someone lurking in the shadows wants to stop the merger at all costs. As mayhem rises in Sagebrush Pine, so will the chemistry between Hope and Isaac. They both have steel walls for protection, but where there’s a spark, there’s a blaze, and the fire will consume them.
If you love small-town stories packed with emotion, steam, and a splash of suspense, you’ll love the Cowboys of Sagebrush Rose series. This is the last book in the series and will lead readers down a trail of forbidden romance and healing.
My Review:
Isaac and Hope are fiercely independent people but when there’s a death on the ranch, the danger is only intensified by their blistering passion. Can their forbidden romance lead to a love no one can tear apart? Embracing Hope is an intoxicating western romance and the final book in the series. Rhonda Lee Carver has penned an all-consuming romance with plenty of heat, emotion, and suspense. The descriptive narration pulls the reader into the story. The romance is steamy with an undercurrent of forbidden fruit. The characters, though, are what make Embracing Hope an unforgettable read.
Let’s start with the characters. Hope is the last Rose sister who has yet to marry. Her father can’t tame her, though. She’s independent with walls around her heart. She won’t let any man, least of all a bad boy, near her heart. I connected with Hope in so many ways. Well written with flaws who can’t see love until it’s too late.
Isaac is a hero with demons chasing him, so he shuts down his heart to anyone. But there’s something about Hope that stirs his soul. They’re more alike that he realizes and that plays well in this forbidden romance.
Rhonda Lee Carver is one of my favorite western romance authors and this story is the best she’s written. She writes romance with emotion, steam, and flawed characters. There’s also a bit of suspense thrown in and it had me reading late into the night. Take my advice and pick up Embracing Hope.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Buy it Now:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/embracing-hope-cowboys-of-sagebrush-rose-book-5-by-rhonda-lee-carver
Author Biography:
Rhonda Lee Carver is a bestselling author of contemporary western and romantic suspense, but she loves to write other genres too. She's known for writing stories that keep readers laughing, crying, gripping the edge of their seats, and screaming all in one book...like riding a virtual roller coaster. Whether she's creating sexy cowboys or tough guys, or sassy, independent heroines, readers are sure to find strong, powerful, memorable characters that are relatable.
By day, she taps into her creative, fictional world but at some point she transitions back into reality where she's a volleyball-stands cheerleader, homework virtuoso (at least she thinks so), amateur nurse to skinned knees, mediocre chef with some awesome microwave skills, pet-guru (all the strays show up at her house), and a Jackie of all trades for her kids who are the loves of her life. Yoga and chocolate keep her sane. Hallmark movies require cuddling up with tissues because she can be emotional. She adds a sprinkle of her own real-life adventures in each story she spins because a little truth never hurt anyone. She wouldn't give up one thing in her crazy, chaotic, ever-amusing life, except, she might do magic tricks for the bungalow on the beach she's had her eye on (GOALS).
Writing for Rhonda is like falling in love and finding a new best friend over and over again. Her characters will find a place inside your heart too.
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Reviewed by: Nancy