The Lieutenant's Bargain by Regina Jennings

About the Book
Hattie Walker dreams of becoming a painter, while her parents want her to settle down. As a compromise, they give her two months to head to Denver and place her works in an exhibition or give up the dream forever. Her journey is derailed when a gunman attacks her stagecoach, leaving her to be rescued by a group of Arapaho . . . but she's too terrified to recognize them as friendly.
Confirmed bachelor Lieutenant Jack Hennessey has long worked with the tribe and is tasked with trying to convince them that the mission school at Fort Reno can help their children. When a message arrives about a recovered survivor, Jack heads out to take her home--and plead his case once more.
He's stunned to run into Hattie Walker, the girl who shattered his heart--but quickly realizes he has a chance to impress her. When his plan gets tangled through translation, Jack and Hattie end up in a mess that puts her dreams in peril--and tests Jack's resolve to remain single.

My Thoughts
I have been excited for this story since the moment I found out it was going to be about Jack! I loved him in the first book and couldn’t wait for his story! I loved him even more in this story. He was adorably nerdy while being a strong soldier, he was all business about important things but had an entertaining sense of humor, and he had a strong devotion. I loved how sacrificial he was through all the crazy circumstances, even though he would have to leave his whole life he cared more about the effects on the people he loved. He could have gotten upset on more than one occasion but he always chose to look at things from the other people’s perspective.
Hattie honestly annoyed me a bit at the beginning but I enjoyed seeing her character grow. She was an only child who had always gotten what she wanted and while she wasn’t a snob her upbringing definitely showed. Life at Fort Reno gave her a new perspective and she started to see life differently. It also made her see Jack as the man he’d become instead of just her know-it-all former classmate. She took a bit to come around but I loved seeing her slowly fall in love with who Jack was not for what he could or couldn’t give her.
It was fun to see the characters from the previous stories and get to spend more time at the fort! I also enjoyed learning details about the history of that time.

This was a great read and while it does take place around Christmas I’m sure it would be enjoyable anytime of the year!

Meet the Author
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of numerous novels, including For the Record, A Most Inconvenient Marriage, Sixty Acres and a Bride, and Caught in the Middle, and contributed a novella to A Match Made in Texas. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Meant to Read in 2018 But Didn't Get To

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

The Esther Paradigm by Sarah Monzon

Technically already read this one this year but I totally meant to get to it last year! It was worth the wait though! I loved it so much!

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes

Another one I already read. Loved it way more than I thought!

The Illusionist's Apprentice & The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron

I really need to catch up on my Kristy Cambron! I've been really wanting to read these!

The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill

I've heard a lot of good things!

Season to Love & A New Shade of Summer by Nicole Deese

Finally read book one of this series last year and I really want to finish!

The Thirteenth Chance by Amy Matayo

I heard so many things about this author and I bought this book awhile ago but it's just been taunting me from my TBR.

A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings

I really need to read this one!

The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

Really enjoy this author but I'm a little behind on her books!

A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge

It's been way too long since this book came out and I've been meaning to read it for years!

A Will, A Way, and A Wedding by Melody Carlson

This has been on my TBR for far too long.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books by Authors I Love That I Still Need to Read

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

The list of books I need to read is endless so I kept this list to ones that I actually own by authors I really really love. Can't believe I still haven't read these! Hopefully soon!

#1. The Colonel's Lady & The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz

#2. A Most Inconvenient Marriage & For the Record by Regina Jennings

#3. Life After by Katie Ganshert

#4. The Sweethaven Series by Courtney Walsh

#5. With Every Breath & Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

#6. The Illusionist's Apprentice & The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron

#7. The Wedding Shop & The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck

#8. A Beauty So Rare & A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander

#9. The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

#10. Love Finds You in Annapolis Maryland by Roseanna M. White

Top Ten Books I'd Slay A Lion to Get Early

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I absolutely cannot wait to read all of these books! I wish their release dates were today and I could just read non-stop. But, alas, I must wait.

Wait for Me by Susan May Warren

I need Pete and Jess's story like yesterday! It's been coming for so long I just have to see how it all works out!

An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White

I've been adoring this series and it will be awesome to see Barclay get his story!

Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey

Luke!! I need to know what happened and what all is going on with him!

Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh

I basically binged this author's books in the last few months and I can't wait for my next Courtney Walsh fix!

A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter

Absolutely love Kristi's books and after reading the prequel novella I'm even more excited for this new series!

More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer

Karen's books are always amazing and I'm really looking forward to this one!

Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig

More Tox! Need I say more?!

Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon

Irene's books are always a thrilling adventure and this one looks so good!

The Lieutenant's Bargain by Regina Jennings

I loved Jack's character in book one of this series and I'm really looking forward to this story!

Caught by Surprise by Jen Turano

Jen Turano's books never fail to make me smile!

Top Books on My Spring TBR

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Upcoming Releases I Hope to Get

Storm Front by Susan May Warren

Falling for You by Becky Wade

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy

Pelican Point by Irene Hannon 

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund

Books I Hope to Read off My Shelf

The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner

Love's Faithful Promise by Susan Anne Mason

The Thirteenth Chance by Amy Matayo

Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge

A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings

Top Ten Books That Have Been on My TBR the Longest

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

#1. The Colonel's Lady and The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz
I've read every other one of Laura's books but I just haven't managed to get to these two.

#2. The Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen
This is the only one of this author's early books I haven't read (though I've missed her last several releases too).

#3. Proof by Jordyn Redwood
This book has been on my radar since it's release and I was lucky enough to win a copy but it has sat unread on my shelf for too long.

#4. A Twist of Faith by Pepper Basham
I've had this one on kindle for forever and I also recently purchased the paperback. This will be the year I finally read it!

#5. A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings
I love Regina's books but when I didn't get this one for review it slipped through the cracks. I eventually got it as a birthday gift but I still haven't read it.

#6. The Secert Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Kate Rorick & Bernie Su
Loved this YouTube mini-series and was so excited to get the book but life and other books have kept me from it.

#7. Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay
I loved this author's debut but yet I haven't read anymore of her books.

#8. Fair Play by Deeanne Gist
Love this author and the first book of fair books was fun but sadly I still need to read this one.

#9. Stuck Together by Mary Connealy
I'm a little ashamed I still have not read this one. I read all her other books and even the others in this series but it took me a little while to get my hands on this one and I just keep forgetting I haven't read it.

#10. A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander

Loved book one in this Belmont series and yet book two (and now three) still have not been read.

Hearts Entwined: A Historical Romance Novella Collection

About the Book
The ways of love can be complex. Sometimes a relationship full of unexpected twists and unlikely turns leads to a bond that's strong and secure. Join Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears for novellas that follow the winding path of romance in stories that celebrate a love that lasts forever.

My (Overall) Thoughts
I loved this collection! Four amazing authors and four stories that connect to series of theirs-a reader's dream! Each story was well-written and equally enjoyable!

The Love Knot
Summary-When Claire Nevin's troubled younger sibling sends her an unexpected package by rail, the gift and the man who delivers it--an unexpected face from the past--threaten to upend Claire's life forever. Fighting to hold on to all she has built, will she lose what matters most?

Review-I’ve been loving The Ladies of Harper Station series and each new installment makes me smile! Claire has been a fun character and it was good to see her get her happily ever after. Pieter was a hero to admire, when he set his mind to something whether it be his career or the woman he loved, nothing could stop him! I liked how Claire and Pieter had a history and seeing them work through the “knots” that had separated them to a place of forgiveness and renewed trust, was beautiful!

Author-Karen Witemeyer is a winner of multiple Carol Awards and has been a finalist for the RITA Award and National Readers' Choice Award. She lives in Abilene, Texas. www.karenwitemeyer.com

The Tangled Ties That Bind

Summary-Connor Kincaid returns home determined to win the hand of the woman he was too young for when he left. But Maggie is training to be a doctor in a distant town, while Connor's about to settle on a ranch. Will either be willing to give up their dream? Or will they both have to give up the love of a lifetime?

Review-I enjoyed The Kincaid Brides series when I read it years ago and actually the first book in that series was the first book I ever reviewed! So it was fun to see some of the Kincaid kids all grown up. It was a little weird at first since Conner and Maggie were technically cousins but there was no actual blood relation so it was easy enough to get past. They had always had a strong bond and both had hopes of a relationship forming but the years got away from them. It was fun to see them reconnect and realize their love for each other. They had some adventures along the way but they only served to show them what good partners they were.

Author-Mary Connealy is well-known for her award-winning, bestselling historical romantic comedies. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska. www.maryconnealy.com

Bound and Determined
Summary-As punishment for his recklessness, Private Bradley Willis is sent on an errand to help a retired cavalry officer move a herd across Indian Territory. No one told him the herd would be camels instead of cattle, nor that the officer's headstrong daughter, Ambrosia Herald, would seem to be trying to undermine the whole enterprise. He's definitely been saddled with more than he's bargained for.

Review-Bradley amused me in Holding the Fort so I couldn’t help but smile when I realized he was getting his own story! He certainly met his match in Ambrosia and their teasing banter made me laugh several times! The camels were certainly a unique twist that added a whole new level of entertainment! I also enjoyed Ambrosia‘ as father, Captain Herald, he was a tough cookie with a sense of humor. Bradley and Ambrosia were young and I appreciated that they acknowledged that and made wise decisions at the end of the story!

Author-Regina Jennings is the acclaimed author of The Fort Reno Series. She lives outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children. www.reginajennings.com

Tied and True

Summary-Wealthy Marianne Lister is in love with business assistant Calvin Hochstetler, but he can't see past the difference in their social status. When Marianne takes a job to prove that she is prepared for a life of hard work alongside the man of her dreams, will it be enough to convince Calvin to risk it all for love?

Review-We got to briefly see Marianne and Calvin in A Love So True and it was fun to see their story play out! I loved how they both had a heart for service doing what they could to help those in need. Calvin was being a bit bullheaded (though I could see where he was coming from) but I loved that Marianne never gave up on him. The way she was determined to prove him wrong was endearing. They may have been from different social sets but they were perfect together!

Author-Melissa Jagears, author of the Unexpected Brides series, lives in Kansas. Her novella, "Love by the Letter," won the 2014 Carol Award. www.melissajagears.com

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Holding the Fort by Regina Jennings

About the Book
Louisa Bell never wanted to be a dance-hall singer, but dire circumstances force her hand. With a little help from her brother in the cavalry, she's able to make ends meet, but lately he's run afoul of his commanding officer, so she undertakes a visit to straighten him out.
Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno. He can barely control his rowdy troops, much less his two adolescent daughters. If Daniel doesn't find someone respectable to guide his children, his mother-in-law insists she'll take them.

When Louisa arrives with some reading materials, she's mistaken for the governess who never appeared. Major Adams is skeptical. She bears little resemblance to his idea of a governess--they're not supposed to be so blamed pretty--but he's left without recourse. His mother-in-law must be satisfied, which leaves him turning a blind eye to his unconventional governess's methods. Louisa's never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough?

My Thoughts
Regina Jennings has a talent for creating unusual circumstances for her characters that result in a bit of hilarity and create a unique backdrop for the romance. This book was no different and had many amusing moments as well as a sweet love story.
Louisa definitely didn't have it easy growing up but she's doing the best she can. I admired the way  she never shirked away from the hard work. When she was fired she immediately sought more work and when she was mistaken as a governess she worked tirelessly to learn what she needed to help teach the girls. She may have been one of the world's most unconventional governesses but she was exactly what Daniel and his girls didn't realize they needed.
Daniel was as by the book as they come but he also had a bit of an adventurous side, and a soft side where his daughters were concerned. He was also very astute and didn't let puzzles go unsolved for long.
On paper Louisa and Daniel may not have made sense but they complimented each other and made a well matched couple.
Caroline and Daisy, Daniel's daughters were entertaining and definitely added a fun element to the story. I also liked Louisa's brother Bradley and Daniel's second-in-command Jack, I'm hoping we get more of their stories in the coming books.
Overall this book was a wonderful book that had me reading non-stop and staying up till almost 1 AM to finish it!

Meet the Author
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of numerous novels, including For the Record, A Most Inconvenient Marriage, Sixty Acres and a Bride, and Caught in the Middle, and contributed a novella to A Match Made in Texas. She has won a National Readers' Choice Award and been a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.