Book Review: A SEALs Purpose

A SEAL's Purpose by Cora Seton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Back at Chance Creek and this time, the Navy SEALs' project of sustainable living continues as well as the Regency women's Bread and Breakfast business. The camera's are still rolling for the reality TV show they all signed up for and the stakes are up for the gang to keep their dreams from ending. It's Kai's turn to find a wife and Addison, who has seen the TV show since it began, steps into Base Camp with a different set of expectations.

Having read and followed the series from the very beginning, I knew what I was up for. The background of the story and its premise are unique. The contrast between the SEALs and the Regency women make for an intriguing read. As Cora Seton has proved all along, it can work. The personal stories of each couple fits in this colourful tapestry of love at first sight, battling inner demons and finding one's true calling. It has been consistent all this time and though some parts can be predictable, it is the individual and personal journeys of each character that makes the books a fun, interesting and heart warming read.

In Book 5, Kai and Addison battle internal and external forces to be the persons they choose to be and found true love in the process. Supporting characters, like Felicity, Addison's sisters and Kai's family, provided a dynamic to the story in exploring issues on fears and detachment. By this time, there are enough characters from past books to pad and thicken each book in the series. If you are a follower, watch out for clues that lead to book 6.


View all my reviews

Book Review: Issued to the Bride : One Marine (ARC)

Issued to the Bride One Marine by Cora Seton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Back at Chance Creek. Back to familiar grounds.

Seton is consistently good at keeping the romantic tropes in line with the theme of the series. It has become a predictable read. Nothing else surprised me but for the General’s imminent return to Two Willows.

Logan is the funniest of the four men, so far. That he built a reading room up in the attic for Lena earned him points in my book. As for Lena, she is the most interesting of the sisters, so far. So let’s see what Alice ad Jack has to offer!

View all my reviews

Book Review: Issued to the Bride: One Sniper

Issued to the Bride: One Sniper by Cora Seton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Getting an ARC of Cora Seton's book is always a pleasure to read and to write a review afterwards. The third book in the Brides of Chance Creek led me to familiar grounds, predictable troupes and plot lines and as usual, a comforting HEA (happily ever after). Not complaining. Going back to Chance Creek is like having coffee with friends I haven't met in a while.

In this book, Hunter and Jo went through all the motions necessary to end up HEA. The story stays true to its message of partnership, gender equality, compromises and women empowerment. Though, what I like about this series is Hunter's journey to redemption. It was his own and he was brave to face his demons that has haunted him for years. Thanks to Jo, love at first sight and the error of his ways. He was given a chance to begin life anew.

And when love is real, it does find a way.

It is now the General who baffles me. How his pride has gotten in the way of loving his daughters. The mysterious ways of his wife does little to make him go back to Two Willows. I wonder what big surprise Cora Seton has at the end of the series?



View all my reviews

Book Review: Issued to the Bride One Airman

Issued to the Bride One Airman by Cora Seton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is my second ARC of the series and while I am glad to be back on familiar grounds, meeting familiar characters and favorites from other series by Cora Seton, Issued to the Bride: One Airman had been a very predictable read. It did not bring new discoveries or surprises for me. Yet, it seems to emphasize the message that, while our service and uniformed men serve and protect the country from wars that threaten national security and the world's, it is the conflict at home where they are needed the most.

I think this is the strongest point of the series yet. The rest, it was plateau for me.

I have started to doubt the Reed women, capable as they are, because they appear dumb and stupid. If not for life threatening events, they seem to have difficulty rising above challenges small and large. They have talents and skills, yet, they need men to boost their confidence. This is perhaps due to the absence of their father for decades. How I wish the General would come home and redeem himself. Apologize and make up for lost time. After all, Two Willows stands on generous and wonder filled land.

And so, I am now beginning to think how the General's men measure up in the series. I want stronger female leads, but for this installment, Connor outshines Sadie. Connor did all the hard work. I am uncomfortable with the ending of Grant getting killed by Sadie and Jo. I hope this could be dealt with in a more humane closure, not just for Jo, but for Sadie too. I am happy that Connor's parents took the road towards reconciliation but questions linger. Will Hunter be Jo's equal? Or will I see how they complement and not just complete each other? What is the escalating problem that Cab Johnson and the rest of the residents of Two Willows face in the future books in the series?

I sure would like to know.



View all my reviews

Book Review: Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL

Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL by Cora Seton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL is the first book of a new series by Cora Seton that has a lot of heart, just enough magic to tickle your romantic, and a complicated old man who, I am excited to see, will pull through some surprises as the series unfold.

What worked for me

Going back to Chance Creek is like visiting old friends from way back. I have read three series by Cora Seton and by now, I can comfortably predict her plot lines and casually identify with her characters. There is the hesitant or unsure female lead laden with baggage from the past; the alpha male who has gone full circle and is on the path to rebuild his life; an array of supporting characters that move the lead characters into action as well as lending a layer of conflict and exciting dynamics to the plot; villains who get what they deserve; and favorite characters from previous books in the series.

I am on a familiar ground. Not complaining, as I have invested so much on the first series, the Cowboys of Chance Creek. So meeting Cab and Rose again, is a delight. But in this initial book to the series, Brides of Chance Creek, Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL, I gathered an insight on the role that men and women play in the family and in the society at large.

I have always believed that women are strong yet, delicate. As a mother, I once told my daughter this: that women are not weak. We have the great capacity to accommodate another life in our beings, in our souls. Thus, the men in our lives have a great role to protect and keep us safe. But as things go in society and in the world, conflict happens and war breaks out. As things go with people, men and women are imperfect. So, we struggle. We try to keep our best to balance and even things out the best way possible.

Cass and her sisters have been terribly fooled by irresponsible men. Without a father for so long, the sisters were easy prey to people who mean them harm. Brian's presence in the ranch allows a modicum of security and protection. This is not to say that Cass and her sisters have been weak or stupid. They are in fact, smart and kind, beautiful and full of talents. But, I admit, they need a man who will respect them for what they can do and who will value their relevance to the family and to the community they belong to. The message of this book to me is this: treat women well; respect them; value them; work along side them in the farm; in the factories, in offices, support them in all their good endeavors even if it means running for public office; and yes, be honest with them when they are about to fail; call them out when they are going out of line. Love them!

Men, love the women in your lives! If this happens more, then, world peace is a dream that can be fulfilled.

As for the women, know how to value this love and honor the men who love you.

What did not work for me

It's a small thing, but, I'll say it anyway. I just wish Cass is not as young as she is compared to Brian.

I enjoyed reading this new book as the first installment in the new series. I look forward to the love story of Connor and Sadie.

View all my reviews

Book Review: A SEAL's Pledge

A SEAL's Pledge by Cora Seton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The plot is really very simple: boy meets girl, they fell in love at first sight, another boy comes in the way as well as the girl's family and conflict after conflict arose. What redeemed them all, surprisingly, is boy number two's conscience, the leaders' morals and wise advice, and the amazing support of girl friends - proving once again that keeping your blood sisters close enough can do wonders to your hair, make up and sanity.

What worked

What I think worked for me was to witness Samantha's journey in finding herself. Being away from her family made her realise that she can do so much more. She found out her potentials by staying in Base Camp as an arranged bride to Curtis. But, even that didn't work out since it was Harris who fell in love with her. An icing on the cake, so it seems. Harris, on the one hand, learned how to fight for what he believes in with a little help from Curtis. I wonder what would have happened if Curtis didn't give way for Harris over Samantha.

What did not work

Curtis. I felt he was used as anti-hero turned hero in the story. Which only heightens my curiosity if he will ever find love. Now, that is something to look forward to in the coming books in the series.

Over all, I enjoyed reading this light, contemporary romance. It has a good mix of the personal battles of the characters set with in the backdrop of more pressing issues of a society at large.


View all my reviews

12 Days of Christmas Book Review: The Cowboy's Christmas Bride

The Cowboy's Christmas Bride by Cora Seton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Cole and Sunshine return to Chance Creek. They have plans and dreams to pursue. What kept them together after all these years is their love for each other. Going back to Chance Creek, they come face to face with their past and the uncertain future. Cole and Sunshine are at a crossroad. Is their love strong enough to make them stay and build a new life in Chance Creek?

Good thing the gang is there to welcome them; to show them a thing or two about couplehood and married life; what has changed in the community; and how this community can be their support group in starting a family of their own.

This 9th volume in the Cowboys of Chance Creek is a fitting Christmas book in the series. It is not only the story of Cole and Sunshine but everyone's! I return to Chance Creek as a curious visitor wondering how my favorite cowboys and their wives are doing. And everyone seems to be adjusting real well with married life. This is enough for Cole and Sunshine to make a decision. In the end, love wins.

While it gave me, once more, that happy ever after feeling, I think about the what ifs. There is more to married life than wonderful beginnings. I wish to see more of love and romance in married life. How will the Cowboys and their wives weather through bigger challenges? What is love in the face of death, bankruptcy, infidelity and disasters?

I enjoyed the series, but I am asking for more. I am a demanding fan!



View all my reviews

Goodreads Review: ARC of Dare Me Again

Dare To Love Series: Dare Me Again by Cora Seton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Dare Me Again is a novella set in the Dare to Love series by Carly Phillips. Though written by Cora Seton, Dare Me Again stays true to the trope and approach of the original series started by Carly Phillips. And Cora Seton adds more- her style and voice in writing contemporary romance.


What worked

The themes of family life and settling down after years of hard work is evident in the novella. Such themes are present in most of Seton's work so far. I like reading about such themes as it echoes my own dreams and wants. What is a decade or two of hard work and investments if there is no place and no person so share it with? Connor , the male lead seeks to retire from profession football and marry Carolina, the strong willed and independent social media entrepreneur. How Connor wins her heart makes the novella a steamy and exciting read.


The way the chapters were introduced through excerpts of blog entries by Carolina is a creative technique that helped me predict what the chapter is going to be about. It adds meaning to the entire novella as well since it speaks about life lessons and truths we believe in. A crafty technique as it sets the pace of Connor and Carolina's romance.


What did not work

It's just too short.

Over all, it is a good piece of work from Cora Seton.




View all my reviews

ARC: The Airman's Email Order Bride

There are spoilers in this review. But read on if you wish to get a glimpse of Cora Seton's last book for the series, The Heroes of Chance Creek.

Finishing the last book in the series, The Heroes of Chance Creek, by Cora Seton is a funny and almost frustrating ride. I suppose it is the way with young love. We make a fool of ourselves, turning ourselves inside and out, and risking life and limb beyond reason. Since the last book, The Airman's Email Order Bride, is a contemporary romance, all is well that ends well.

What Worked

Colt and Heather's reunion is exciting, steamy and bitter sweet. Indeed, love is dearer when it is lost and regained. The comic turn in the plot was entertaining for a while. It got a bit boring as events moved further on because really, a hopeless romantic like myself will choose love, always love, at day's end. But no, Ms. Seton prolonged the agony. Good thing is, she is crafty at characterization and caricature making. Heloise is hilarious. Mia, Rose and Autumn, supporting characters in this book, but major ones from the The Cowboys of Chance Creek series, all made relevant cameos. Their presence in the story's plot gave me hope to expect nothing as bad as a death of a main character. Ms. Seton sure knows her genre!

In the end, Colt made the decision that led to his growing up. The boy finally became a man. This is my favorite part in the novel. His brothers agreed to the decision. They understood how important it was to their own personal lives having experienced to be forgiven and loved. Love conquers all, so wise men say.

What Didn't Quite Work

I was hoping for a deeper re-connection between Colt and Austin. Knowing how complicated the older Hall is, it would have made for a dramatic chapter. What I was looking for was a dynamic that would define the relationship of the Hall brothers as true heroes. Each conquered their own demons in different ways and the women whom they love were all instrumental in their personal victories. I was expecting for more sibling love among the men however.

At the last page of the book, I ended up as one happy reader. My faith in the world is restored and I can now go back to real life with a stronger belief in the human spirit to triumph over adversity: the ones we have with in ourselves and those brought by people with in our periphery. The Hall brothers may be fictional characters as well as their wives, but for a brief moment of reading about their struggles and little victories, it made me feel that I too can be a hero in love and in life.

Thank you Ms. Seton for a comforting and wonderful adventure!

ARC: The Navy SEAL's Email Order Bride/Red Hot Beginnings Anthology

My affair with contemporary romance novels hit an all time high when I started reading Cora Seton, particularly The Cowboys of Chance Creek series. I have read all eight books in the series and was very much amused at the quirky characters, loveable female leads and the swoon worthy cowboys that are matched with them. It was a lot of fun reading the romance stories of Ethan and Autumn, Jaime and Claire, Cab and Rose, Rob and Morgan, and the rest of the Matheson brothers.

When I learned about The Heroes of Chance Creek series, I immediately purchased the first book The Navy SEAL's Email Order Bride. When I finished reading this, I bought the second one, The Soldier's Email Order Bride and the third, The Marine's Email Order Bride. I am patiently waiting for the fourth installment in the series, The Airman's Email Order Bride, to see how the Halls' quest to reclaim their home and ranch will end. Of course, it will end happily ever after, like most romance novels do. But the adventure, the relationships, the sense of community, along with its complications are elements in the series I want to see unfold and come to a conclusion.

What worked

I love Mason Hall because he loves his brothers, his family's heritage and the land he grew up in. Apparently, this SEAL has a strong and well balanced mental faculty that he does not suffer any post war trauma. Nope. He is not the dark and brooding hero. He is prideful, handsome, a gentleman and knows where his head and heart should be. He is your romance hero whom you can depend on. Ah, but his pride would get in the way some times and this is where Regan Anderson comes in to temper and put Mason into rights.

This is what I love about the book. How the author mixes and matches her characters to bring home the message that, despite differences, man and woman can live together. The stuff of fiction, some would say. An escape from reality, a few may add. But, I have seen real life relationships endure that makes me a believer in this conceit.

What about the sex? Of course there is plenty. But Regan knows what she wants and how to get it. Mason gives what he can and takes, in all sincerity and respect, what Regan is capable of giving.

What did not work

It's too short. I would have wanted to see more complications between the leads but, Cora Seton reserved that for the second book in the series.

As for the anthology, the Red Hot Beginnings, it is a sizzling read; a good reading companion these hot summer days. I've finished the second book, Life Blood  by V.M. Black and it can stand strong, enough for me to suspend my disbelief. Though it is not a finished novella, I can say that this is the better vampire romance novel I have read in a while. There is a series to the initial offering, Cora's Choice, so I might check it out soon as well. I am on the third novella now, Beauty Touched the Beast by Sky Warren, another promising read that touches on a May-December affair.

I will leave this review here but with a promise that I will come back to finish it. Until next post!