Wednesday, 16 March 2016

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: BEAUTY AND THE BULL RIDER by VICTORIA VANE


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By: Victoria Vane
Releasing March 15, 2016
Lyrical Shine
In Beauty and the Bull Rider (Hotel Rodeo #3) by Victoria Vane, after learning what the woman he's always craved wants more than anything, Zac McDaniel plans to offer his services to be the daddy of the baby she desperately wants. But with him being her ex-husband's best friend, and the fact that she blames him for her marriage falling apart, he's uncertain whether she'll welcome his more than friendly advances. However, when an opportunity arises to get into her good graces, he takes it. Because he wants the chance at forever after, that he missed out on with her years ago.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I've got to say that it does not disappoint. Right from the beginning, it was fast-paced and immediately gripped my undivided attention with what happens to Zac during his ride on a bull, which makes him re-assess what he wants in life. And from that moment, this book only gets better, once Zac and Delaney come face-to-face at a time where Zac will do anything to gain the upper hand with the heroine, so that she becomes more receptive to his offer.
As for the dialogue, it kept me entertained because these two have such an interesting history between them, a history that could even be considered awkward. Yet, Zac is determined to win Delaney's heart and is very persuasive in his pursuit. However, there's no mistaking the powerful feel to the narrative and the dialogue. The emotions and reactions are so intense that there was no way I couldn't imagine myself in the characters situation. Well, at least Delaney's.
I really liked both characters. Delaney is strong, independent, hard-working. She's adamant that she doesn't want another relationship, yet I liked that Zac wore her down. Because after all she's been through, she deserves to be happy again. She's also quite passionate when it comes to her work, and that comes through loud and clear in the dialogue when she's talking about the breeding of her most prized animals. 
While Zac, he's confident, tenacious and charming. He wants Delaney, not just for one night but forever. However, it isn't easy when she finds it difficult to trust after her ex-husband. Yet, Zac proves he's different by everything he does for her. Ultimately, showing her that she can rely on him to be there for her when she needs him.
Overall, this was a really good, quick read where the nicely-detailed sex scenes took a while to happen, but definitely did justice to this couple's intense chemistry. Ms. Vane wrapped this story up nicely with Zac confronting his best friend and securing the couple's future, as well as Delaney finally realizing that love is worth taking a chance on again, because Zac is the right man for her. I would recommend Beauty and the Bull Rider by Victoria Vane, if you enjoy second chance romances.
OVERALL RATING:     
 
 
 
BLURB:
When Beauty Wants A Baby

Championship bull breeder and former Texas beauty queen Delaney McCall was having a heck of a time finding a daddy for the baby she craved. A failed marriage left her with no desire for another husband, but finding the right stud to satisfy her needs presents a bigger problem that she could have imagined.
 
And The Bullrider Wants Beauty
After hanging up his spurs, bull rider Zac McDaniel wants nothing more than to fulfill Delaney's dream of having a family. After all, his best friend's ex has been his fantasy for years. Zac, however, has no desire to be seen as just a means to an end. And when Zac insists on doing things the "old fashioned" way, their passion explodes like a bull out of the chute…
 
Some Bucking Is Bound To Happen

While insisting it's all just a passing fancy, the more Delaney sees the softer side of the rough and tumble cowboy, the harder it is to keep her emotions corralled. Zac, meanwhile, is more determined than ever to prove he's what she really needs, and will do whatever it takes to tear down the mile high fence around her heart…
 
Buy Links:  Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo
 
 

Zac choked on his drink. “What the fuck did you say?”

“You heard me right.”
 
His chest tightened. “Are you saying she wants to get back together?”

“Hell no!” Ty laughed. “She wants a kid but doesn’t want another husband. It’s that whole bio-clock thing that seems to have pushed her over the edge. She even tried to bribe me with an interest-free loan in lieu of a stud fee.”

Was she still carrying a torch for Ty? There was that worm again. Zac’s gut twisted at the thought of Ty and Delaney together. “Why the hell would she do that?”

“’Cause she’s out of her ever-lovin’ mind. Gotta be one of those hormonal things.”

“Why you?” Zac asked.

Ty shrugged. “Beats the hell outta me.”

“You gonna oblige her?” Zac asked, keeping his voice slow and his gaze on his empty glass.

“Shit no! If I ever father a kid, I’m gonna be there to raise him up right.”

“There’s gotta be plenty of other men who’d be happy to help her out. Hell, they’d probably line up for miles.” And I’d be the first to buy a ticket.

Zac signaled Gabby for another drink.
 
Ty gave a dry laugh. “Delaney might be a lot of things, but easy ain’t one of ’em.’ ” He sat back, appraising Zac. “You did better than me in school. What’s your IQ?”

“I dunno. Hundred twenty-eight maybe.”

“Beats mine by at least five.” He was still regarding Zac as if he were a bull on the auction blocK." 

“What the hell are you looking at?” Zac snapped.
 
“You, Zac. Just wondering what kinda breeder you’d be. She says she wants above-average IQ, tall, and athletic. Seems to me you got that part in spades. I’m just wondering if it’ll offset your lack of looks and nonexistent sense of humor.”
 
“Fuck you, Ty.” Zac snatched up the glass Gabby slid in front of him.
 
“I’m serious. You need money. Maybe you should volunteer?”

Zac met his gaze. “And what if I decided to do just that?”

“Hell, Zac,” Ty laughed. “I’d consider it a personal favor. I’d even buy your damned ticket to Oklahoma. Come to think on it . . . how’s that hand?”
 
Zac set down his drink and held it up. His fingers were purple and sausage-like. “Fucked up, but I don’t think anything’s broken. Why?”

“There’s a good chance I’m going to need a new ranch foreman.”

“Wait a minute,” Zac said. “Isn’t that Delaney’s domain now?”

“It’s not Delaney’s place I’m talking about. It’s Tom’s. Or rather, mine now.”

“Yours? So Tom left you the Circle B? What are you looking to do with the place?” Zac asked, trying not to betray his intense interest. Ty had not only offered him a new start doing what he knew best, he’d also given him a second chance with Delaney.

“I want to expand the operation and get back to where I started.”

“Contracting, Ty? Thought you moved out here to get out of it.”

“I did, initially,” Ty said, “but things have changed. My plans have changed. If things work out for this hotel as I hope they do, I’m going to need bucking stock. I figure some of ’em might as well be mine.”

“What about ol’ Bart? Doesn’t he run the place?”

“He’s ’bout ready to retire. I’d be happy to leave him in charge of the beef operation, but I need someone who knows how to handle a rank bull. If you’re ready to hang up your bull spurs, the job’s yours.”

“I’d like more than just a paycheck, Ty. I’m thinking about my future too, and right now it ain’t lookin’ so bright. My place needs too much work. It’ll take every cent I just won just to get it back in operational shape. If you’re looking to contract again, I’d be willing to sell out and invest as your partner.”

“You would?” Ty asked with surprise.

“Damn straight. Bulls are what I love, Ty, but at this stage in the game, I’d be content to flank instead of ride."
 
“Hell, Zac. I don’t know what to say. I’d be honored to take you on as a partner.” 

Zac’s eyes held Ty’s as he slowly drained his whiskey. Setting the shot glass down, he offered his hand with a smile. “I think you just made me an offer I can’t refuse.”
 

 
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Victoria Vane is an award winning author of smart and sexy romance. Her collective works of fiction range from historical to contemporary settings and include everything from wild comedic romps to emotionally compelling erotic romance. Victoria is the founder of the Goodreads Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers and the Romantic Historical Lovers book review blogs.


Author Links:
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2 comments:

  1. Lovely review! Thank you for hosting BEAUTY AND THE BULL RIDER on your blog today!

    Crystal, Tasty Book Tours

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  2. Thank you so very much for the book spotlight and wonderful review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story! XO Victoria

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