Publication Day Review: Waiting on the Rain by Claudia Connor

WAITING ON THE RAIN  by Claudia Connor

Release 12.31.2020

Contemporary Romance

Blind heroine

Former Army Ranger hero

Stand alone

Series, The Walker Brothers 3

No cliff hanger

Kindle Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JpJQ3f

iBooks: http://bit.ly/WaitingOnTheRainiBooks

WAITING ON THE RAIN

Being blind doesn’t hold Ava Bennet back in the least. With her work, her shopping, and public transportation within walking distance, she’s totally at home in the big city. But she’s not in the city now. Temporarily back in her small home town to help her father has her struggling in a big way.

Luke Walker is finished running from his troubled past. Finally home after years in the military, he’s ready to make amends with his family and set down some roots. But adapting to civilian life is a lot harder than he ever expected.

She has no intention of sticking around. He has no plans to run again. All they have is one month together. Will it be enough for Luke to prove he’s everything Ava needs—in light, in darkness, and most importantly, even in the rain?   

Thought provoking!

Luke Walker is back after twenty years. The former Army Ranger is adjusting to civilian life and wondering if he made the right decision by leaving the military. A distraction comes from attending his brother, Zack's wedding... it's a perfect backdrop to begin the slow process of reconnecting with his family and meet other guests.

United Nations interpreter, Ava Lane is on extended leave from her job to provide care for her father. An invitation to a friend's wedding is an unexpected chance to spend some time away from her overprotective family and in doing so, meets the brother of the groom.

This novel is full of surprises and a delight to read. It emphasises the importance of family and trust. It's a story of new beginnings. The emotions tug at the heartstrings as Luke and Ava's story unfolds. We learn about the struggles and challenges both the protagonists are dealing with. Then comes the satisfying and heartwarming romance.

The author plays on the strengths of her characters… Ava, despite her disability is a strong, independent woman who isn't afraid to fight for her right to live her life how she sees fit. Luke overcomes his stubbornness to find a new purpose in life. Both come to terms with the past to build a new normal in the future… filled with unconditional love… a force to be reckoned with.

Overall an insightful and heartfelt novel. I've been a fan of Ms Connor's books since reading her debut novel and her latest; Waiting on the Rain is a fabulous addition to the McKinney/Walker Brothers series and can be enjoyed as standalone.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher***

Claudia Connor is an award winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary Romance, including the beloved McKinney Brothers series. Claudia writes, warm, heartfelt romances with a bit of steam, a lot of family and always a happily ever after. Claudia attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and masters degrees in early childhood education. When she's not writing, she enjoys movies, reading, and travel, with a heavy dose of daydreaming during all three. Claudia lives near Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband and three daughters, two dogs, one cat, seven chickens.

You can find out more about Claudia’s books on her website.

https://www.claudiaconnor.com

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Publication Day Book Review: The Princess and the Rogue by Kate Bateman

From the #1 bestselling author of historical romances, Kate Bateman, comes the third book and final book in the Bow Street Bachelors series, THE PRINCESS AND THE ROGUE (St. Martin’s Paperbacks, December 29, 2020, $7.99). A princess in disguise is forced to live with a rogue in order to protect her from danger in this fun, sexy regency romance.

Bow Street agent Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, doesn’t believe in love—until a passionate kiss with a beautiful stranger in a brothel forces him to reconsider. When the mysterious woman is linked to an intrigue involving a missing Russian princess, however, Seb realizes her air of innocence was too good to be true.

Princess Anastasia Denisova has been hiding in London as plain ‘Anna Brown’. With a dangerous traitor hot on her trail, her best option is to accept Wolff’s offer of protection—and accommodation—at his gambling hell. But living in such close quarters, and aiding Wolff in his Bow Street cases, fans the flames of their mutual attraction. If Anya’s true identity is revealed, does their romance stand a chance? Could a princess ever marry a rogue?

AMAZON US          AMAZON UK

Ah, finally, it's Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray's time to follow, albeit reluctantly in his friends' footsteps; to find a wife. Eagerly anticipated doesn't convey my excitement to read more about the Bow Street Bachelors. 

Sebastien has lost his motivation. His friends have moved out of The Tricorn to live with their new wives and he's all alone… lonely. To occupy his time, he focuses on his work as one of the Bow Street agents. On this occasion, it leads him to a collision course with a missing Russian princess.  

Anastasia "Anya" Denisova is living as plain Anna Brown in London after escaping from Paris. That's until she crosses paths with Sebastien Wolff in a brothel!  

For those familiar with the author's novels, you'll know how she crafts fascinating backgrounds around her characters intertwined with intriguing plot-lines, laced with historical details. With a London backdrop, they are fast-paced, page-turners. The Princess and the Rogue are no exception. There's the romance between the protagonists but also a strong thread of camaraderie as we keep abreast of how the other previous bachelors are getting along as married men. There's much humour as well as sizzling chemistry between Sebastien and Anya as they move towards a happy ending. 

Overall, a fabulous finale to an equally wonderful series. I've loved following the Bow Street Bachelors find their true loves and their intriguing investigations to find them. Ms Bateman is now one of my favourite author's for historical romances and this series comes highly recommended.  

***arc generously received courtesy of St Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***

Kate Bateman, (also writing as K. C. Bateman), is the #1 bestselling author of historical romances, including her RITA® nominated Renaissance romp, The Devil To Pay, and the novels in the Secrets & Spies series To Steal a Heart, A Raven’s Heart, and A Counterfeit Heart. When not writing novels that feature feisty, intelligent heroines and sexy, snarky heroes you want to both strangle and kiss, Kate works as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several popular TV shows in the UK. She splits her time between Illinois and her native England. Follow her on Twitter to learn more.