Book Reviews - Okie Dreams

The Kraken’s Sacrifice by Katee Robert ~ Review

Catalina only made her deal with the demon because she had nowhere else to go. The world has kicked her every chance it got, so she’s all too happy to leave the realm she knows behind. What’s the worst that could happen?

She doesn’t anticipate being auctioned away to a kraken.

Thane is cold and distant…but he’s not unkind. Isolated as they are, Catalina finds herself seeking his company again and again. And when she finally agrees to uphold her portion of the bargain?

That’s when things get really interesting.

But she only gave the demon seven years, and when the time is up, she’ll have no choice but to leave behind the kraken who’s stolen her heart and return to the world that doesn’t want her.

Author’s Note: For all tropes, tags, and CWs, please check the author’s website.

His Christmas Guardian by Cindy Dees ~ Review

I started reading this book in the fall of 2022, but in the middle of reading, I found out my brother wasn’t going to survive his cancer. After losing him, I found it difficult to read for a few months. Every time I tried, my brain just couldn’t focus on the words, so instead I focused on work and breathing and healing. I finally found joy in reading again over the weekend and was surprised by how much I remembered about this story and it’s characters, Nick and Alex. That is a testament to author Cindy Dees work, and her gift of storytelling. Not to mention, I love a good romantic suspense tale and this one was a great one.

I loved the character of Nick, and perhaps more importantly, I also loved the character of Alex. The two men were great on their own, of course, but they were even better together. They had the right mix of interest and anxiousness, all mingled in with their raw capability as secret government operatives on a dangerous and wholly unexpected joint mission. A mission that gave them far more than either one of them could have dreamed to find.

Book Reviews Contemporary Romance Romance Short Reads

Tempted by the Mountain Man by Kelsie Calloway ~ Review

Clementine Peterson thought she was coming home to start her life and open a business. She never expected to run into her older brother’s best friend and his new kid.

Ridge: When a social worker shows up at my doorstep with a three-year-old who looks just like me, I know that my whole life is about to change. I never thought I’d have kids, but looking at Hadley melts my heart. Being a first-time dad at twenty-five to a kid you’ve never met before is hard though. That’s why I need some help. Clementine might be my best friend’s little sister, but she’s the only one I can count on.

Book Reviews Contemporary Romance Western Romance

Her Wayward Cowboy by Maisey Yates ~ Review

A first kiss leads to a second chance for this returning cowboy…

For thirteen years, Arizona King has tried to forget Micah Stone, the man who broke her heart. She was eighteen the night they confessed their feelings for each other. The next morning, he was gone. Maybe she was too young, too inexperienced—after all, he was twelve years older and fresh out of a serious relationship. Arizona vowed to never be so vulnerable again. But that promise proves hard to keep when Micah suddenly returns to Four Corners Ranch, looking for his son…

Soon it becomes clear those feelings never burned out for either of them. Still, after all this time, Arizona’s carrying more scars than she lets on… Should she give this headstrong cowboy a second chance—or will he turn tail once more and leave for good?