I've been a fan of this author for a long time (The Husband Tree is still one of my old
favorites). Read my review of her newest release and enter the tour giveaway below...
The Unexpected ChampionBy Mary Connealy
Christian Historical Romance, Western
Paperback & ebook, 320 Pages
March 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers
Summary
They’re as Different as Could Be.
But They’ll Need to Trust Each Other to Survive the Wilderness . . . and the Dangers Chasing Them.
City dweller John McCall never expected to be out in the High Sierras of 1868 on a wild-goose chase to find the Chiltons’ supposedly lost grandson. But now that he’s out here, things have gotten even more complicated, mostly due to wildcat Penny Scott. She’s not like any woman he’s ever met–comfortable in the woods, with a horse, and with a gun.
When Penny and John are taken against their will by a shadowy figure looking for evidence they don’t have, both realize they’ve stumbled into something dangerous. With their friends and family desperately searching for them, Penny and John must make a daring escape.
When they emerge back into the real world, they discover their kidnapper just won’t stop. This city man and country woman must bring a powerful, ruthless man to justice, all while fighting a very inconvenient attraction to each other.
Review
THE UNEXPECTED CHAMPION is a story about a woman roughened by the wild west and a Pinkerton Detective from the city who find themselves in a whole lot of mess and get themselves out of it and after the bad guys together. Connealy's trademark wit and humor, memorable characters, and an exciting plot will entertain readers from beginning to end. Highly recommended to fans of the author and historical romantic suspense readers!
One thing you can always count on with Connealy's books is her quirky and memorable characters. This story is full of the sarcasm and banter between these characters, and the straight-forward approach of life in the wild west, where the law isn't always dependable and you have to be ready to protect your own. You don't need to have read the first two books in this series to read this one, but as characters and backstory from those is included in this one, it might make for a stronger connection with the story. There are references for where the reader needs to be filled in for those who need it.
I really fell in love with John and Penny, as well as the whole crew. John is quite a tease as he takes turns annoying Penny and trying to make her laugh, which he is quite successful at. Penny is pretty blunt and says it as it is, so John brought a little levity to the situations they find themselves in and keeps Penny distracted when she needs to be. The chemistry between these two gew as the story progresses and I liked how being stuck together as they get to know each other develops a strong relationship between the two of them. They are both really fun characters.
The plot is this roller-coaster of intense with some quiet moments here and there. I loved it! It was exciting, crazy, hilarious, and sweet in equal measures with a dose of inspirational moments mixed in. The villains were really hideous and came from different directions, so readers don't know exactly what is going on until the story unfolds.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This author always entertains and she certainly doesn't disappoint here! This story was enjoyable from beginning to end. If you're looking for something fun with characters you can love and a plot that will keep you turning pages, definitely grab this one.
Content: Some innuendo and violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through JustRead Tours, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
You can also find Mary at these sites: Seekerville and Petticoats & Pistols
Tour Schedule
Follow the tour HERE.
Tour-Wide Giveaway
- a complete set of all three High Sierra Sweethearts books (print, US only)
- $20 Barnes & Noble gift card
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight April 8, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm April 15, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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