Reviews
Reviews for Colorado Secrets:
Reviewed by Kathy Andrico for The Road to Romance
Kara Smith Garrison needed money. Since the death of her husband, her finances had been decreasing, and she was in danger of losing the ranch. Selling horses, and finding a job wasn’t making ends meet. Although she knew the kids loved the ranch, she acknowledged that perhaps it would be best to just sell it. Not only would it help financially, but it would alleviate the demands on her kids, in particular, her eldest, Joshua.
Brad Dalton was captivated with Kara from the moment he met her. Learning of her circumstances, he makes a point of hiring her, wanting her near. He would like to pursue a relationship with Kara, but he also wants to expand his firm with a new office closer to his daughters. It would mean long hours and sacrifices. He would like Kara to go with him, but she has her own responsibilities, and reservations.
They both harbor secrets from their past. Destructive, terrifying secrets that could tear them apart, or bring them closer than either of them imagine. They had met years ago as kids, and Brad had had a secret crush on Kara. Life has brought them together again, and only together, facing the secrets of their pasts will they be able to create a future together.
Colorado Secrets, although published second, is actually the first book in Jacquie Greenfield’s Under the Colorado Skies Series. After reading Colorado Pick-Up Man, I had high expectations for this story, and those expectations were exceeded. This was an intense emotional read with captivating characters who I adored. It was fascinating watching scenes play out that had been referred to in Colorado Pick-Up Man. I hope that Ms Greenfield continues this series with stories for all of the Garrison and Dalton children.
http://www.roadtoromance.ca/reviews0907/reviewcoloradosecrets.htm
*****
Harriet Klausner’s 5 Star review on Barnes & Noble:
In Colorado Springs, thirty-nine years old divorcee Brad Dalton misses his two teen daughters who live in Denver with their mom. When they were younger, he was too busy earning money as an architect trying to overcome the incident that shaped his life. As a child he intervened in the assault on younger Kara Smith, but afterward was accused as the attacker. His abusive stepfather cut a deal with Kara’s dad that sent Brad to work as a slave on his uncle’s remote ranch. He was not allowed to come home for four years.
At the Lucky Horseshoes and Riding Academy, in which he is redesigning the place, he meets widow and mother of four Kara. He recognizes her from the assault and from the Middleton HS tennis teams they both were on as he had a crush on her but she was seeing David Garrison; she fails to recognize him. He later learns she and Dave married and had four kids before he died. She needs a job so he hires her temporarily while his office assistant is away. After she completes her week at his firm, they begin to date and fall in love as he is there four her troubled kids and she hopes to do likewise with his older brother. However, the assault when she was twelve remains between them for it much more personal than just his intervention.
COLORADO SECRETS is an enjoyable contemporary romance starring two amiable lead characters with a shared past that threatens a second chance at love for them. The story line is character driven though there is too much resolved angst as the several complicated situations nicely set up are too smoothly determined. Still with a strong secondary cast and a wonderful prime couple, fans will enjoy this Colorado romance.
-- Harriet Klausner
http://harrietklausner.wwwi.com/review/colorado_secrets_greenfield
Reviews for Colorado Pickup Man:
Though billed as a contemporary western romance, this sexy horse opera—loaded with tension, tearjerker moments and corny dialogue (“Dang, lady. You scared the hair right off my chest”)—also provides a surprisingly good mystery. Debra Walker is a 24-year-old cowgirl burdened with guilt and debt after her father dies and leaves her with a failing horse ranch. She blames herself for her father’s death and the ranch’s failure, and sells everything to move to the city and take a job with a tech business her father used to own. Then she meets J.D. Garrison, a hunky horse ranch owner who serves as her savior and love interest. Debra and J.D. are instantly smitten with each other, and as they flirt and tease, they discover her new boss, Robbie Nelson, is a womanizing crook with dark plans for the business and darker plans for Debra. As the sexual tension builds, so do the mystery of Debra’s father’s death (a strange car crash that also crippled J.D.’s best friend) and Robbie’s corporate shenanigans. The romance is well-constructed and entertaining, but the mystery wins out as the strongest draw.
--Publisher’s Weekly July 16, 2007
At the Denver Tri-Country auction, distraught Debra Walker is selling her beloved horse Branded Sunset because she has no place that she can afford to keep the horse since she sold the family ranch to pay off her late father’s gambling debts. Debra is going to be a computer administrator at Watson Technology in Colorado Springs. J.D. Garrison pays six thousand for the horse that he hopes will be used by his severely ill nephew Dillon, who has a heart defect.
J.D. is attracted to Debra and is concerned when he learns her boss is odious Robbie Nelson, whom he has a personal history with involving his former fiancée. Still she is and adult and there is little he can do except fret. However, as she uncovers some nefarious practices at the firm and is sexually harassed by Robbie, Debra flees to the only place she feels safe, J.D.’s ranch unaware of the danger she is in due to the knowledge she possesses.
The despicable illegal practices bring a woman in peril element to the plot, but are unnecessary as the sexual harassment angle is a terrific segue. Debra is a delightful protagonists struggling with a new life that turns ugly from the start and forced to flee to J.D. He, in turn is a hero in every sense of the word as he not only risks his life to keep his beloved safe, but also will do anything to improve his nephew’s life.
As reviewed on Barnes & Noble 9-25-07 4 Stars!
-- Harriet Klausner
ENTERTAINING CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE!
http://harrietklausner.wwwi.com/review/colorado_pickup_man_greenfield
“COLORADO PICKUP MAN is an entertaining contemporary romance
Greenfield is a fresh new voice in contemporary western romance. Her debut novel expertly weaves sensual, emotional drama with a captivating, well-orchestrated mystery. Don't miss this book!”
--Cindy Gerard, New York Times Bestselling Author
Colorado Pickup Man is a touching story about two individuals who don't realize how broken they are, but recognize the healing that is needed in the other. It was such a pleasure watching as they both were able to forgive themselves. I adored J. D. He is the epitome of what a hero should be. In fact, Colorado Pickup Man is sure to make any female reader want to head out west and pickup one for herself.
It is surprising that this is Ms Greenfield's debut novel as there was quite a nice sized cast of fully develop secondary characters. There is also a mystery that was somewhat predictable, but the intensity of the suspense of when and how made up for that. I eagerly await the next story in this series.
--Kathy Andrico - RoadToRomance.ca
“Jacquie is a phenomenal new voice in contemporary romantic fiction. Her depth of emotion, rich and unforgettable characters, and sparkling prose made this book an absolute keeper!”
–Roxanne Rustand, award-winning author
COLORADO PICKUP MAN provides all the thrills and daring of a western bronco ride! Straight out of the gates, we’re rooting for Debra and J.D. to hang on for the ride of their lives. This riveting story captures the perfect balance between sizzling romance, poignant self-discovery, and taut suspense. Jacquie Greenfield’s artful plotting and gifted prose draws us to care deeply about these compelling characters. Torn between two worlds, they wrangle with the hardships of ranching life while confronting corporate transgressions. As their romance blossoms, secrets from the past threaten, building to a life or death climax. Their courageous struggles, sacrifices and triumphs tug at the heartstrings. This uplifting story will leave you with a satisfied smile on your face—a tale to savor long after you’ve tucked this treasure on your keeper shelf. I loved this beautifully crafted book and can’t wait to read the next release from this outstanding new author!
--Diane Palmer, Cedar Rapids, IA
"COLORADO PICKUP MAN is a heartwarming and emotional romance combined with a gripping mystery. Jacquie Greenfield has created a dramatic story that will linger on in the minds of its readers. Her characters are packed with emotion and the mystery was well-crafted and kept the pages turning until the end." –Nicole Hulst, Bookseller
“COLORADO PICKUP MAN grabs at the heartstrings and has the reader rooting for J.D. and Debra to overcome all obstacles until they finally find redeeming love.”
--Alice Duncan, Award-winning Author, Lost Among the Angels
“Brava, Jacquie Greenfield! Colorado Pickup Man is magnificent! This masterful, heartfelt tale is a masterpiece. I loved it from the first page, and couldn’t put it down. A truly fabulous read. Great characters, great story, and lots of emotional angst to rip your heart out--Brava!”
--Rosemary Potter, Owner, Rosemary’s Romance Books - Shop 6, Brisbane, Queensland 4000. Australia
“I just love her characters! I want to meet them, see them, spend time with them, and even take them home with me! BRING ON MORE BOOKS!!!”
--Jill Holmes, Reader, Camdenton, Missouri
If you're looking for the perfect book to cozy up with this season or to keep you company as you relax on the beaches of some far off tropical island...look no further! Jacquie Greenfield serves up a healthy portion of everything your heart desires in Colorado Pickup Man. The intriguing mystery, captivating characters, and a scorching hot romance between Debra and J.D. will leave you begging for more. I loved this book and can't wait to read more of what Greenfield publishes next!
--Danika Holmes, Bettendorf, IA