Tuesday 3 May 2016

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: WELCOME HOME, COWBOY by ANNIE RAINS


Enter to Win a $25 Amazon eGift Card
 
 
Welcome Home, Cowboy
A Hero’s Welcome #2
By: Annie Rains
Releasing April 26, 2016
Loveswept
 
In Welcome Home, Cowboy (A Hero's Welcome #2) by Annie Rains, a relationship isn't something Julie Chandler is looking for, not after what she went through with her last boyfriend. But being back in Seaside and running a yoga program for Military men and women with PTSD, she finds it hard to keep resisting the gorgeous Lawson Philips. Especially when she discovers he's her newest student for her program; a program he doesn't believe can be of benefit for him. However, she's determined to change his mind. 
 
After a serious helicopter crash, Lawson Philips hasn't been able to do what he does best - fly, and as a Marine pilot that is what's important, especially if he wants to stay in Seaside. Seeing a psychiatrist is bad enough, but what she orders him to do to help him further is something he'd never ever do unless forced. Yet, as soon as he learns that Julie is the instructor, he's all for giving the relaxation technique a try, if only to spend as much time with her as possible.    
 
Having absolutely loved the first book of this series, I was really looking forward to reading this one, and I've got to say that it does not disappoint. Right from the beginning, it was very entertaining and fast-paced due to Julie being in a bind. Can she convince someone that her yoga program can do wonders for those suffering PTSD?
 
As for the dialogue, I loved every moment between Lawson and Julie, even when she's stand-offish towards the hero. Not that I could blame her after what happened with her ex. However, Lawson is different. He'd never become her ex, and it shows through how kind and caring he is. Not just towards Julie, but everything he does for his sister and niece as well. However, the dialogue is also intense due to the main characters back stories, what Lawson has to go through to find his way back to flying again and when Julie finally confronts her past. She surprised me the way she finally finds the courage to tell her ex off, to do what she did so he couldn't ruin the huge chance she was being offered when it came to her job.
 
Both the main and secondary characters are fantastic, and I liked that Kat and Micah, the couple from the first book made an appearance in this one. The advice each of the secondary characters offers Lawson and Julie is good for them, as it forces both to realize how good they could be together. More so Julie than Lawson, because she deserves to be happy after the disaster of her last relationship. Her ex is a total jerk that didn't deserve her.

Julie is strong, brave, tenacious and I liked how she grew throughout this story. She's quite down in the beginning because of everything that's happened in her life, but once someone gives her a chance to prove herself, she begins to shine. Begins to find that she can do anything she sets her mind to without relying on anyone besides herself. But what I liked most about the heroine is how hard she works to prove that yoga can help lots of people.

While Lawson is strong, brave, and really struggles with his dream of getting back to flying. Indeed, I felt sorry for him. He's haunted by the accident, by the fact that he couldn't save everyone. It seems that no matter what he does, or how hard he tries to get past his demons that have been niggling at him since the accident, nothing works until the timing is right and someone in trouble needs his help.        

Hot sex scenes heat up the pages at the perfect moments throughout this story. Moments that illustrate the intense chemistry that is between this couple from the moment they come face-to-face. Julie needs to be sure that she can trust Lawson before giving him a chance, and he does everything to prove he can be the right man for her. 

Overall, Ms. Rains has penned another really good story for this series with an engaging plot, great characters and well-written dialogue that has left this reader wanting to delve into the next book as soon as its released. The way this story ended was incredible, as Lawson found what it takes to overcome his fears -- both in his personal and professional life. Then there's the epilogue that finally ties up whether Julie is getting a niece or nephew, and how Lawson wants to take their relationship to the next level. But what he has planned isn't at all what most would think it is. I would recommend Welcome Home, Cowboy by Annie Rains, if you've read the first book of this series, or if you enjoy a hero and heroine that need each other to heal from the hurts of their pasts. 

OVERALL RATING:

      
 

BLURB:
With its thriving military base, Seaside, North Carolina, is teeming with heroes of all stripes. But, as the Hero’s Welcome series from Annie Rains continues, it takes a cowboy to rescue the town’s newest resident from heartache.
 
After a bad breakup leaves Julie Chandler completely devastated, she comes to Seaside seeking a fresh start. A talented, compassionate yoga teacher, she has developed a program to help alleviate the effects of PTSD, but getting a bunch of bullheaded Marines into downward facing dog might be impossible. So Julie’s shocked when one of her first students dives in headfirst—and almost tempts her to take down her walls with his easy smile and electrifying touch.
 
Ever since Texas cowboy turned Marine pilot Lawson Phillips lost a crew member in a helicopter accident, he hasn’t been able to fly. When a psychologist orders him to attend, of all things, a yoga class, Lawson’s outraged—until he finds out Julie is the instructor. She’s beautiful, graceful, and completely guarded when it comes to his advances, but he’s determined to find out what makes her tick. Because underneath Julie’s hard shell is a woman Lawson knows he could fall for—and he’s not ready for the ride to end.
 
Buy Links:   Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo
 

“Come ride with me anytime,” he said, helping her dismount from the horse when they were back at the barn. He didn’t place his hands on her ass this time, which was both regrettable and a relief. Instead, he steadied her waist with his hands. She turned to face him after he helped her to the ground, and was surprised to find how close they were standing. Close enough that the brim of his hat on her head nearly touched his chin.

“This belongs to you.” She took off the hat and went up on her tiptoes to put it back where it belonged. Their eyes locked as the movement brought them even closer together. Her heart bucked again, like a wild horse ready to bolt.


Returning to flat feet, she started to step away. Needed to step away. Too bad Bon-Bon was still behind her, blocking her escape.


“Julie?” he said, making her feet pause and her heart stutter. She liked the sound of her name on his lips. Low, deep.

“Yes?” she asked breathlessly.

He reached out his hand to tame a strand of her hair brushing against her cheek. “You have what I call hat-hair.” He took his time smoothing the hair around her ear, awakening every nerve in her body. Then he slowly dipped, keeping his blue-as-the-ocean eyes on hers, and kissed her.

She melted into him instead of stepping away. The side of his cheek on hers was warm and inviting, intoxicating. His tongue tapped softly against hers, just once, as he swept his hand behind her neck, pulling her gently toward him.

A soft moan escaped her throat, betraying her. She parted her lips for him, inviting him in, begging him to stay, which he did for just a moment longer. Then he broke it off, keeping it sweet. The kiss had threatened to be more, though. It had threatened to take her inside that barn, lay her down on a blanket of hay, and be a whole hell of a lot more.

“See you later, Lawson,” she said, forcing herself to step away from him, away from the horse and the barn. She turned toward her car and didn’t look back. Otherwise, her hormones were going to win and drag this cowboy into the barn and slam the stall doors behind them.

“See you later, Julie,” he called after her.
 
 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.
 
Author Links:  Website | FB | Twitter | GR
 

Meet Lawson Phillips, your next book boyfriend:

 
He's 6 foot tall and one hundred and ninety pounds of lean muscle.
 
He's a southern charmer with a quick wit and sense of humor.
 
He's half cowboy—saddle up! And half Marine—Oo-rah!
 
As a cowboy, Lawson knows how to treat a lady. He will open doors for you, hold your hand, and make sure you always come first (no pun intended!).
 
He loves his cowboy hat, but underneath is that short military buzzed hair that you’ll love to run your fingers through.
 
He can ride a horse all day long. He can run several miles in combat boots with 50 lb. gear on his back. Imagine all the other stamina-requiring exercises he can partake in!
 
Lawson has a dark past he hides from everyone. It'll take just the right woman to bring down his defenses. Win his heart and you've won a lifetime of devotion because this Cowboy Marine is as loyal as they come.
 
Any takers? He’s all yours in WELCOME HOME, COWBOY on April 26, 2016!
 



 


 


 

1 comment:

  1. Wonderful post! Thank you for sharing your lovely review!

    ReplyDelete