Virgin River, Shelter Mountain, & Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr

I've started to read the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr.  I've read the last few newer books in the series and decided to start from the beginning.  I've read the first three so far and so am condensing the reviews and posting all three here!

Goodreads Description of Virgin River:

"Wanted: Midwife/nurse practitioner in Virgin River, population six hundred. Make a difference against the backdrop of towering California redwoods and crystal-clear rivers. Rent-free cabin included."

When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place to escape her heartache, and to reenergize the nursing career she loves. But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving: the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. Realizing she's made a huge mistake, Mel decides to leave town the following morning.

But a tiny baby, abandoned on a front porch, changes her plans...and a former marine cements them into place.

Melinda Monroe may have come to Virgin River looking for escape, but instead she finds her home.

My Rating: 

My Rating:

Melinda needed a change after her husband was murdered.  Her entire life was turned upside down and she needed a clean slate.  She sold everything and took a job based on a phone call and some photographs sent to her.  When she go to Virgin River things were as wonderful as she believed.  She realized that she made a mistake the instant she arrived but it was solidified when she found the birds nest in her oven and the porch collapsed.  She did enjoy the bartender, Jack but that wasn't enough to keep her there and she wasn't ready for any kind of male attention.  On her way out of town, she finds a baby left at the doctors door step and she gets pulled in.  She slowly but steadily develops relationships and a connection especially with Jack.  Their romance seemed so natural and real.  

This book seemed more like viewing someones life through a window in space, almost like a soap opera but with out all the sleeping around and back stabbing that usually occurs in soap operas!  Definitely a MUST read!

Goodreads Description for Shelter Mountain:

For the second time in a year a woman arrives in the small town of Virgin River trying to escape the past. 

John “Preacher” Middleton is about to close the bar when a young woman and her three-year-old son come in out of a wet October night. A marine who has seen his share of pain, Preacher knows a crisis when he sees one—the woman is covered in bruises. He wants to protect them, and he wants to punish whoever did this to her, but he knows immediately that this inclination to protect is something much more. Paige Lassiter has stirred up emotions in this gentle giant of a man—emotions that he has never allowed himself to feel. 

But when Paige’s ex-husband turns up in Virgin River, Preacher knows his own future hangs in the balance. And if there’s one thing in the marines’ motto of Semper Fidelis—always faithful—has taught him, it’s that some things are worth fighting for.

My Rating:

My Review:

After reading the first in this series, I absolutely had to read about Preacher and how he finds love.  Preacher is a big man who looks scary but in reality is a big teddy bear, well at least where woman are concerned.  Paige is an abused woman who after her latest beating from her husband, grabbed her child and ran.  Nothing would stop him and she's tried it all.  She gets turned around and lost and stumbles into the bar Jack owns and Preacher works and cooks at.  Preacher is drawn to Paige like a moth is to a flame.  They grow into a very close friendship where you can tell would combust into a great passion if allowed.  Preacher wants Paige to be free and so helps her go through the steps to get a divorce.  This is a happy ever after however there are some ups and downs and twists and turns.  

I love how Robyn Carr adds side stories about other members of the town and it feels like you are part of the town.  It's not all bout Preacher and Paige but also about the other residents and how they care for one another.  As I stated in the review for the first book, you feel like you're in the story an you can see their world through a window.  I've never read another series like this and I love how it is written.  It's just very original and gripping!  Strongly recommend!

Goodreads Description for Whispering Rock:

The tightly knit community of Virgin River has been a safe haven for more than a few lost souls over the years—and there’s always room for one more... 

A decorated U.S. Marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty, but has found hope and healing in Virgin River. When he agrees to become the town’s first cop, he does so knowing it’s time he settled down. Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found—a woman who can tie up his heart forever. He finds that woman in Brie Sheridan, a Sacramento prosecutor who understands his drive to protect and serve. Virgin River becomes a safe haven for Brie after nearly losing her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she’s got some fears she can’t escape—but now she has someone who will shower her just what it means to trust again. 

Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she’s so selflessly given him—her heart, and with it, a new beginning.

My Rating:

My Review:

This third in this series is mainly about Mike and Brie.  Brie is Jack's youngest sister and assistant ADA in LA.  She failed to put a serial rapist in prison, her husband leaves her for her best friend, then she's attacked and raped by the serial rapist.  Mike was an LAPD Sargent who was shot by a teen gang banger wannabe as a way to get into a gang! He retires to Virgin River to heal and have the comfort of his friends and leave his family and their constant hovering behind him.  Mel, Jacks wife, helps him with his physical therapy.  Then he learns about Brie. He's cared for her ever since he met her and he knows what it's like to be a victim of a violent crime.  He reaches out and helps her through her fears and newly formed phobias.  Mike is given a job as the town law enforcement and soon realizes it's not going to be an easy job, someone is targeting teenage girls and giving them date rape drugs.  Also in this book you are given more information about other residence and their continued issues through out the first few books.  

I love how each book is tied together and how all the members of the town take care of each other.  The strong ties and romances make this a wonderful story and another continuation of the life like story of those who live in Virgin River.  I can't wait to get to the fourth book!

A Lady Never Surrenders by Sabrina Jeffries

Goodreads Description:

When the youngest Sharpe sister hatches a plan to gain marriage offers, the straight-laced Bow Street Runner Jackson Pinter knows he'll do whatever it takes to ruin her scheme... 

With two months left to find a husband to fulfill her grandmother’s ultimatum, Lady Celia Sharpe sets her sights on three eligible bachelors. Becoming betrothed to one of these wealthy, high-ranking men will surely prove her capable of getting married, so hopefully the wedding itself won’t be necessary for Celia and her siblings to receive their inheritance. Step two of her audacious plan is hiring the dangerously compelling Bow Street Runner Jackson Pinter to investigate the three men she’s chosen. But with Lady Celia bedeviling Jackson’s days and nights, the last thing he wants is to help her find a husband. And when she recalls shadowed memories that lead his investigation into her parents’ mysterious deaths in a new direction—putting her in danger—Jackson realizes the only man he wants Celia to marry is himself!

My Rating:

My Review:

Good ending to the series.  I totally didn't see that ending coming and so really enjoyed that.  The rest was pretty predictable but still well written and I enjoyed there read.  Celia's issues with marriage an her parents death seemed the most realistic to me and her interactions with Jackson Pinter have been building through out the series and I was very happy to see them finally shake the sheets!  If you've read the others in the series you can't skip this book.  It's definitely a series however that you can't really just read one book from, at least in my opinion.

Werewolf in Manhattan by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Goodreads Description:

Emma Gavin writes about werewolves, but that doesn't mean she believes in them-not until a pack of real-life New York weres decide to investigate the striking accuracy of her "fiction". 

When Aiden Wallace, son and heir of the pack leader, tries to sniff out Emma's potential informant, he discovers something even more dangerous- an undeniable attraction to her.

My Rating:

My Review:

I had read the second in the series prior to this, the first in the series.  In this book, the eldest brother of the Wallace pack loves Emma Gavin's werewolf books, however they are shockingly accurate to how true werewolves live.  He is assigned to figure out if she has a secret informant or if she just has an amazingly vivid imagination.  Though very different in many ways, they both hit it off and constantly fighting their attraction to each other.  But when they give up fighting boy was it some good reading!  It was an ok read and kept me engaged but by no means was fantastic...more like a cozy paranormal romance, something to curl up to with a cup of tea an just knock out in a few hours.  Definitely worth the read though and also the second.  I can't wait to see how the world evolves in the third book, coming out soon.

Werewolf in the North Woods by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Goodreads Description:

When she used to walk around her grandfather’s property out­side Portland, Abby Winchell loved the idea that Bigfoot was somewhere out there too. Now her grandfather swears he’s seen two creatures that fit the legendary description—and he has evidence. Sort of. Grandpa Earl may be a bit dotty, but when his neighbors invite a renowned anthropologist to disprove his theory, Abby decides to send the man packing...until she sees how hot he is. 

Anthropology professor Roark Wallace can’t risk news be­ing made of a Bigfoot sighting in the north woods—not with a local pack of werewolves to protect. Disproving the evidence should be easy, but ignoring Abby is not. Her fiery red hair makes him want to sit up and beg, and this obvious attraction is making the pack suspicious.

My Rating:

My Review:



I haven't read the first in the series but this could definitely stand alone.  Anthropology Professor Roarke Wallace is brought in by a Werewolf pack in Portland to help defuse a situation.  Apparently the pack's neighbor Earl Dooley saw Bigfoot and possibly his mate.  Since then strangers have been in the woods trying to get a better look and picture!  Roarke is to spread his 'opinion' that Earl didn't see Bigfoot but maybe hikers, who knows since Earl is 77.  He is also assigned to move the Sasquatch couple. Enters Abby Winchell, Earls Grand-Daughter.  She doesn't like how her Grandpa is being slandered and sets out to prove he saw Bigfoot.  She finds out Roarke is a werewolf and blackmails him into taking her when he goes in search of the Sasquatch couple.  Things get hot and heavy and the romance is formed.

There are a few twists and turns and a LOT of humor.  I loved how this book just made me laugh out loud.  My daughters kept looking at me like I was crazy! This book is a good Paranormal Romance, and I will be getting the first to see how Aiden, Roarke's Brother, found his true love.  And I will definitely be following the rest of the series.

Infinite Betrayal by Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie

Goodreads Description:

Mina Roarke had always been told she was special. In what way, she never fully understood until circumstances led her down a path of adrenaline-charged danger, blazing sexual heat and ultimate betrayal. 

Mathias, a warrior for a secret shifter race known as The Coteri, has been ordered to protect Mina at all costs. Although his oath to protect her is paramount, can he rein in his animal instincts long enough to not claim the one person he’s forbidden to have?

My Rating:

My Review:

WOW. It has been a VERY long time since I've read a Paranormal Romance that has has such an amazingly perfect mix of Romance, Mystery, and Paranormal! This book is one of the best I've read. It was all perfectly mixed together to make Infinite Betrayal one darn awesome book! I couldn't put it down. The world the authors created was great and the the paranormal race created was clever, thought not completely original. I did love the conflict created and the war between the two fractions. The mating is intense and amazing to read and I just CAN NOT WAIT for the second book in the series! If you enjoy Paranormal Romances you MUST pick this book up! You will not be sorry!


* I received a paperback version of this book via a Blog Giveaway.  The only 'normal' medium for this book is via E-Reader.  *

Redwood Bend by Robyn Carr

Goodreads Description:

Katie Malone and her twin boys' trip along the beautiful mountain roads to Virgin River is stopped short by a tire as flat as her failed romance. To make matters worse, the rain has set in, the boys are hungry and Katie is having trouble putting on a spare. As she stands at the side of the road pondering her next move, she hears a distinct rumble. The sight of the sexy, leather-clad bikers who pull up beside her puts her imagination into overdrive.

Dylan Childress and his buddies are on the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. But the sight of a woman in distress stops them in their tracks. And while the guys are checking out her car, she and Dylan are checking out one another.

In one brief moment, the world tilts on its axis and any previous plans Katie and Dylan might have had for their futures are left at the side of the road.

My Rating:

My Review:

I don't know if it's because this is a contemporary romance or if it's just because of the authors talents but I really felt like this story was real.  I've read the last book in the series and both times I felt this way.  I loved how I just got sucked in to the everyday actions of the characters lives and their issues.  In this book Katie moves to be close to her brother and so her sons will have some male influence.  On her way to the small town her brother lives in, she has a flat and a biker club who helps her out.  That's when she sees Dylan the first time.  Once in Virgin River, their paths cross and before long they have a romance on their hands.  They are both truthful upfront about not wanting a relationship or anything series, but love and relationships seldom listen to peoples wants or opinions when they form.  They both have issues to over come an prove to themselves or others.  I really enjoyed this book and series, though I've only read this book and the book prior.  I plan on getting the whole series eventually to read.  Thought I'm not usually a contemporary romance fan, Robyn Carr is definitely on my must read authors list!

The Bride and The Beast by Teresa Medeiros

Goodreads Description:

Teresa Medeiros makes her hardcover debut in this magnificently sensual and romantic tale filled with passion, humor, and suspense. It is the unforgettable story of two indomitable characters whose love affair is the stuff of which legends are made....

Gwendolyn Wilder did not believe in dragons.  But the superstitious villagers of Ballybliss did, and so Gwendolyn found herself bound to a post as a sacrificial offering to the Dragon who haunted the ruins of Castle Weyrcraig. Fifteen years earlier, someone had betrayed the Laird of Weyrcraig and his handsome young heir to the English for a thousand pounds in gold. Now the Dragon was demanding that very amount. The frightened Highlanders hoped that instead of gold, the fair virgin would satisfy the beast's insatiable appetite. As for Gwendolyn, she never doubted that the so-called Dragon was a fraud. She knew there was a perfectly good explanation for the mysterious lights seen flickering in the crumbling castle and the unsettling sound of bagpipes drifting through the glens. But as she waited for whoever-or whatever-to claim his prize, she could not help trembling as a furious storm lashed about her...and she saw what appeared to be dark wings and a stream of silver smoke emerge from the shadows.  Rumor had it that the Dragon could take the form of a man, and so he did with Gwendolyn-a man who would not show her his face. He carried her into his lair and made her his prisoner, his pampered pet. And while she didn't expect to be eaten by the fire-breathing Dragon of Weyrcraig, neither did she expect to be warmed by his sensuous caresses or devoured by his passionate kisses. 

The Dragon had demanded gold and the fools had given him this golden-haired maiden. She was the very last thing he expected-and now there was no way he could let her go. She could never know that he was no monster but a flesh-and-blood man who had just laid eyes on the one woman who could slay him. Still, this supremely handsome man of devastating virility was more dangerous than any dragon. He would take it upon himself to enchant the practical Gwendolyn as she had enchanted him. He would weave a spell of sensuous magic around her that would defy all her commonsense notions and tempt her to believe in something even more unlikely than dragons and more powerful than the past that threatened them both-true love.

My Rating:

My Review:


I really wanted to love this book but I was just left wanting.  It had great bones and the world created was good.  Gwendolyn takes care of her elderly 'crazy' dad while her sisters sleep around the village.  A dragon has moved into the old Laird's castle making demands they village can not fulfill. In a desperate attempt to calm the 'beast', the village stakes the only virgin in the dragons courtyard.  Gwendolyn is a virgin but also a woman of science and she doesn't believe in the superstitions the village believes and she knows there is no dragon on a man trying to take from the village.  The Dragon doesn't want Gwen to ruin his plans so he refuses to release her and they start to form a romance.  But the Dragon won't give up his hunt for vengeance.

Love wins out in the end, but the Author attempts to add more drama in the last few chapters.  I actually liked the last few chapters more then the most of the book.  There was mystery and suspense more to my liking then the attempts made in the middle.  Don't get me wrong, I didn't see who had betrayed the Laird to the English and that was a surprise.  It was just an average book.  The story a loose connection to the tale of Beauty and the Beast but not something I'd recommend unless you just want something to fill your hours.