Series: A Resort Romances Novel
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing
Release Date: October 31, 2017
Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing
Release Date: October 31, 2017
~Blurb~
What happens when the legend of the old west becomes the new reality? In Mary Billiter’s fun novel of investigating the unknown and navigating love, a drop-dead sexy cop and a fiery redhead are linked by a mysterious haunting and the unsolved crime of passion behind it all.
When Reese Pemberton relocates from the Golden State to the Cowboy State for a corporate promotion, she discovers a different state of mind. From the hustle and bustle mayhem of the Bay Area to the slow and easy meanderings of Wyoming, Reese welcomes the change in pace as the hotel’s new general manager. However, she shuts the door on the notion that her hotel is haunted.
But when a series of mishaps introduces the fiery redhead to the hotel’s legendary cowboy ghost, she begins to question the events surrounding his demise.
Reese and Cheyenne police detective Cody Pring join forces to put to rest the spirit that haunts the hotel. In the process, they discover long-buried secrets. Can the two solve a decades-old mystery or are some things better left with the dead?
~Book Review~
4.25 Stars
Reese Pemberton, 29, is the new general manager of the Historic Wyoming Point Resort in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In addition to introductions to her staff and guests, she also stumbles into a hot cop and a historic mystery. Meanwhile, Detective Cody Pring, 29, just wants a quiet Halloween weekend since he and his partner are on call. 🎃
Cody won me over right away. He hates the smell of essentials oils and is a bit of a germophobe when it comes to public bathrooms. That’s a man after my own heart. Plus the “ass gaskets” line was funny. There’s some humorous narration in this tale told via Cody and Reese’s alternating first person POV. Cody was a swoonworthy good guy and definitely a catch.
“I wanted to be that guy. That guy who did the right thing and was man enough to let down his guard so a beautiful woman like this felt safe and secure to open herself to me.”
Aside from Reese’s moods being a little temperamental towards Cody in the beginning (of course they did get off on the wrong foot), I liked her as a strong, independent, and resourceful heroine. I think they were developed well, though developed separately for much of the first half. As it was, it seemed like they made a quick relationship jump at one point. But their hook-ups were hot so no complaints there.
“She had a restful, dreamy look about her that craved naked escapism, and I wasn’t about to disappoint.”
Cody and Reese made a good pair; I just wish they would have done a little sleuthing together. None the less, the mystery angle kept me turning pages even as I put the pieces together. The historic elements blended well into the setting and the mystery which gradually unravels over the course of the tale.
I appreciated the incorporation of multicultural characters. You just don’t get that often enough in the current romance market. I also appreciated how the historical background was integrated to give more depth to the ghost story and how motivations and attitudes were explained to understand the characters involved but not excused in present time.
“‘…lower your Confederate flag and remove your swastika. Ignorant racists like you lost both wars, and no one likes to listen to losers.’”
That line was just awesome!
I’ll admit I’m still mulling over the “ghost story,” still sorting through my feelings towards those characters. It certainly gives you something to think about. I look forward to other reader’s impressions.
There’s a little paranormal element to this contemporary romantic suspense. 👻 I’m generally not a PNR reader, but I am a sucker for holiday romances and Halloween just happens to be my favorite holiday. All in all, I enjoyed this haunted hotel romance a lot, and while it’s certainly perfect for the season, it can be enjoyed any time of the year….maybe even with a tube of chips and a bag of pb candy! ;-)
~Also Available~
Do Not Disturb & Escape Clause
are free in Kindle Unlimited
Mary Billiter is a weekly newspaper columnist and fiction author. She also has novels published under the pen name, “Pumpkin Spice.”
Mary resides in the Cowboy State with her unabashedly bald husband, her four amazing children, two fantastic step-kids, and their runaway dog. She does her best writing (in her head) on her daily runs in wild, romantic, beautiful Wyoming.
No comments:
Post a Comment