Those Violet Eyes

Honky Tonk Hearts #3

by Vonnie Davis

This is the third story in the multi-author series, Honky Tonk Hearts.

Evie Caldwell hates her life.
Five years ago, she gave up college and her dream of teaching to care for her ailing mother. Now, she's trapped taking care of her worthless brother and the family ranch. Waiting tables to earn her way out of Texas, the last thing she wants is a muscleman with a macho Marine attitude complicating her life. But, oh, how that man makes her insides melt.

Wounded vet Win Fairchild returns to Texas to heal, find a piece of his soul, and open a ranch for amputee children. Finding someone to love is not on his agenda. But when he starts work at the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk, a spitfire with violet eyes and a major attitude instantly captures his heart.

Evie just wants to escape, but now that Win knows what he wants, can he convince Evie to stay in Texas -- and his bed?

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Westerns, Contemporary

151 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2012

Reviews

[Astraycat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have give this 4 stars if I only considered the H. Although he was moody at first, he was a sweetheart. h should be more mature considering she dropped out of college to take care of her mother, and later took the responsibility of her family ranch while her jerk brother gambled away their money. However, her argument with H annoyed me.

[Niina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie is sick and tired of taking care of her brother while he drinks and gambles with the money her parents left him in their will, while she does both their chores on the ranch he owns. So when 'The Lonesome Steer' honky tonk gets a cook she won't refuse the waitressing job to grow her little secret cash stash to get the hell out of town.

It's been a year since Win lost part of his leg in road side bomb in Iraq, the loss of his leg and his team casts demons and nightmares upon him but he's determined to heal and start anew. So he gets a cooks position at his uncle Gus' saloon and meets a girl with violet eyes, attitude a mile long and a wicked tongue to top it all off. But it seems there is more to Evie than just a mean streak she has a big heart and kindness he didn't expect which is exactly why he starts to fall for her - but who could love an amputee and why should anyone even have to try?

Having never experienced a kind man romantically Evie is struck by Win's gentlemanly behavior, his protective attitude and possessive comments, which is why she has no idea wither to be pissed off ( which is what she knows best ) or smitten ( which is a new acquaintance ). But there is only so long that you can fight and deny your feelings before it all boils over and begins with one hot kiss...

The Wild Rose Press always comes out with the best contemporary western romance! And as I do love my cowboy romance - it was so easy to fall in love with Those Violet Eyes! All that yummy southern twang, a hot, muscled, ex-marine cowboy and spunky heroine with a wicked tongue and big heart make for such an superb romance!

Davis sure knows how to write a novel with romance in all the right places, emotions of fear and doubt on both leading characters and have us readers laugh out loud at the funny parts - the black thong scene comes to mind. ;) Davis has written a story that's engaging, charming, romantic, sexy and all kinds of addictive! I simply had to read it cover to cover in one sitting yesterday morning and I was left in tears at the end of it. I'm not gonna lie I so want to know what happens with the rest of their lives - Ms. Davis pretty please write a short story just to let me out of my misery! ;)

I absolutely loved Evie from the beginning, she was in class of her own climbing into her truck through the window after calling Win a Biker Don Juan and giving him a tongue slashing for staring into her eyes in the barking lot of The Lonesome Steer. I love heroines with a mean streak and a big heart, I love them because they fight any kind of romantic feelings whilst falling in love with our well built, grinning ear to ear heroes who can see through the tough act.

And of course you cannot stop yourself from falling for Win, a wounded hero with spouts of PTSD ( post-traumatic stress disorder ), moods swings and doubts about any future with a woman due to part of his leg having been amputated after the bombing in Iraq. The vulnerability Win has about all his messed up symptoms and doubts makes his shining moments so much more intense, his protective side when Evie is harassed in the bar or fixing something for her - it just makes girls all gooey inside. And when all that comes in a 6'4, hazel eyed, muscled, fit, package who can say no to that!? Well Evie gives it a good go. ;)

The romance was so addictively yummy! I loved the verbal banter, the fiery stares, the tongue slashings and the oh so hot can't-keep-my-hands-off moments! That's the mix that makes me so happy, I love it when a girl puts the brakes on, or at least gives the firm no a good go but can't help but give in. Just my kind of story line! But there is more than that to Those Violet Eyes, I loved how Win kept telling himself to take distance, keep away but he still flirts like he can't help it and protects her and helps her, mixed messages dude. ;)

If you wanna read a funny, makes you all giddy kind of romance with one hot cowboy with issues and one fierce heroine with a molten gooey core then this contemporary cowboy romance is for you! With $3.99 too it's so sold!

[Mariann {at} Belle's Book Bag · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of my favorite books that I have read lately. It is short but packed with such a great story and characters. Win *sigh* I fell in love with him from the beginning and he just kept getting better as the story progressed. Just love a wounded soldier!! I only wish the story was longer. Great epilogue!! Vonnie Davis has got herself a BIG fan in me after reading this story. I'm looking forward to reading more from her. Those Violet Eyes has definitely earned a place in my keeper pile and will most definitely be reread!!! Thanks Vonnie for such a great story and especially for Win *sigh* 5 out of 5 rating. :)

[J.M. Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit this one was hard to get through. The emotion in this is extremely well done, and the characters are so real I’m surprised when I look up at the end of a chapter to find myself alone in a room and they’re not actually sitting beside me. Win is… wow. He’s a hero, in every sense of the word, and his character touched not only my heart, but my soul. He’s not a perfect hero. He’s not some hotshot CEO with an attitude. He’s a wounded war vet, with real fears and insecurities. I connected to his character on a very personal level, and I don’t mind telling you, I cried several times in the first five chapters alone. Win’s character touched me. I wanted to just reach through the pages and give him a hug. Though I’m not sure he’d let me. lol In the first scene alone Davis has me rooting for the hero’s happily ever after. I don’t just think he deserves it…I’m yearning for him to get it.

Evie is his match in every way. She’s strong, but no less wounded, and I loved watching Win break down her defenses, and I loved watching them together.

I’m a big fan of Vonnie’s work. Her characters are always so real they jump off the pages. This one really touched me. This is a must read.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

Those Violet Eyes is one of the better surprises that's happened to me in my reading life. Because the story is based in a small town in which the hero arrived on a motorcycle (Harley), I expected something completely different. Also because of the setting, I anticipated a gallery of meddling secondary characters. And, since the hero arrived on a Harley I expected that he would be portrayed as a saver of a fragile virgin heroine (something like a new version of the Prince in Shining Armor). But, as I said, I was more than pleasantly surprised.

Those Violet Eyes is great story, with wonderfully strong characters. The book is focused on the relationship between Evie and Win, and because they are both strong, independent and real, it has its ups and downs. In the end they accept one another with all their strengths and weaknesses and they end up supporting each other. Both the heroine and hero have one feature or trait that the author could have misused to turn them into whining and pathetic characters. Instead, she turned their weaknesses into their strengths.

Evie, the heroine, is torn between leaving the town to lead her own life and honor bound to take care of her brother. Certainly, that does not make her a weak character. She is maybe torn but she knows what she wants. All she needed was just a small push in the right direction in order to make the decision that was right for her.

Win, the hero, is a war veteran who has PTSD and is missing a leg. He does not see himself as a disabled person, on the contrary he is the one who is pushing Evie into that right direction, while she is the one who is soothing him when he has nightmares. What I particularly loved about the story is that the heroine's virginity is not the central issue or conflict of the relationship between the heroine and hero. There are no meddling secondary characters so Evie and Win totally carry the story.

Those Violet Eyes is not a light read because the author effectively portrayed the aftermath of the atrocities of war on war veterans. The story also contains some scenes of war violence. Regardless of this Those Violet Eyes is a really satisfying emotional read that I highly recommend.

[A.J. Nuest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I've not read a lot of romance where the hero's physical diabilities are an integral part of the story, but with Those Violet Eyes, I just couldn't read fast enough. I LOVED this story. Win is a soldier who has just returned to the U.S. from a stint in the war in Afghanistan, and carries with him not only the emotional scars prevelant to most of our returning vets, but also the physical disability of a lost leg. This does not slow him down one bit. He screams off the page as a virile young man with a tender heart and the determination to face his demons. Evie is a woman who carries her own emotional baggage - the guilt over losing her mother to cancer and the bedside promise she made to care for her older brother prior to her mother's death. She is stuck in limbo, almost waiting for her life to begin. When these two characters meet, fireworks explode...not only emotionally but also physically. But here's the thing. While it could have been very easy for this author to make this story one of sorrow and loss, the hero and heroine save each other. They are a perfect fit. And their relationship is done with such beauty and effortless prose, the reader cannot help but fall hopelessly in love with both of them. Honestly, I am a huge fan of Ms.Davis' characterization. She nails it every time. Can't wait for her next book. Bravo and well done.

[LaVerne Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding book by this multi-talented author. I don't remember the last time I was waiting so eagerly (read: impatiently) for the next offering from an author, but Ms. Davis hooked me with her easy style and wit after her first book, STORM'S INTERLUDE, and time could not roll around fast enough for me.

To write a full-bodied romance in the short format of a novella is a tough ask, but Vonnie Davis does it with ease - and then some. Her characters are unforgettable from the very first meeting. We're introduced to Evie when she's mad as hell and storms out of the local bar arguing with her brother. Her manner of getting into her car to leave made me laugh out loud along with her attitude that just oozed from the page. Win (THE most yummy hero) stands in the carpark after getting off his motorbike and watches after her with amusement mixed with instant appreciation of her assets. A brief initial meeting, but you KNOW these two are going to create some fireworks - and Ms. Davis does not disappoint.

But, I have to impart a warning for anyone contemplating picking up the books from this amazing new author. You WILL be hooked and you'll become just as impatient as I am while you wait for her next offerings.

Enjoy :)

[MaggieRR · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Those Violet Eyes” is a fast read with endearing characters. Our heroine, Evie, is bright, tough, and sassy. Vin is hot, hunky, and caring (but I do have to admit my bias weakness for Marines). Although Evie’s plight – giving up the majority of her life to take care of an ailing parent – is an often used circumstance in romantic fiction, author Vonnie Davis’ Evie is no victim which makes for an interesting read.

Actually, for this reader, Evie stole the story. She has great chemistry with Win whether they’re bantering or trying to run from their attraction to each other. While Win is a typical, tortured hero who the reader pulls for to get his life returned to him, Evie’s feistiness makes her the more captivating of the two.

My fondness for the author’s writing style is with her talent for description. Vonnie Davis, quite simply, has a way with words. “Her stomach did a little twitchy dance, nerves no doubt.” Describing Evie’s reaction to Win – I love that word “twitchy”.

Then, there’s Win’s reaction to Evie. “She made him feel again, bless her saucy attitude.” Although such a simple statement, it conveys so much.

Those Violet Eyes is a delightful read that can be read in one sitting. So, curl up on the sofa with your iced tea or hot chocolate, and enjoy!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Eyes Pack an Emotional Wallop

I just finished ‘Those Violet Eyes’ by Vonnie Davis, and feel as though I’m returning from a visit with friends rather than closing a book. With equal measures of wit and sincerity, this story packs an emotional wallop even stronger than the hero’s unyielding fist. I found myself laughing aloud more than once, only to blindly grope for tissue (I didn’t want to take my eyes from the page) in the next paragraph. I recommend this book to anyone who loves an exceptional story powered by genuine, relatable characters. The blend of vulnerability and strength within the tough-as-nails war hero, Win, is flawless. And the unconditional love of Evie, the hellcat heroine, burns with a passion as intense as her violet gaze. With characters so real I felt their breath on my face, and a storyline as authentic as the soul, this book is one I’ll never forget.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a gooey book! I thought both characters were too... I don't know perfect and stereotypical? Evie, the hardworking, slave-to-her-brother, heroine who sings like an angel. Win, the amputee-PTSD-suffering Marine with a heart of gold and tons of patience. You'll only notice his problems when they are used to show how vulnerable inside his is or how kind and caring Evie is, although she doesn't want to be! Mah. That sounds weird because they both have problems but the way they are portrayed is almost like here are two perfect characters and here are some additions that I stuck on to give them "depth". The ending was also pretty cheesy.

Ah well, I know like everybody else loved it but I just felt like -__- at the end and sort of dissatisfied with the characters.

[Leslie Mcfarland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those Violet Eyes by Vonnie Davis a refreshing romance story.

I found the story a little conflicting for me. Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed it.

Win, the wounded vet, was a strong well written character. His past and conflicts both inspirational and heartbreaking. I loved him.

Evie, on the other hand I wanted to B slap in several chapters. When she was with Win she was a strong sexy woman. When she was with her brother, (who needed and got more than a good B slap), she was weak. I didn't love her character so much.

The book was a short story which was enjoyable, but I kept expecting a situation where Win would have to come to Evie's rescue or Evie to Wins, but it never happened

[Mackenzie Crowne · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, for a book to receive a 5, it has to meet certain criteria, and I understand not everyone has the same criteria as me. Those Violet Eyes is exactly the kind of story I enjoy most. It has a great opening hook, likeable characters, humor, and a believable, fast paced story. Throw in a sexy, wounded hero and a spunky heroine who has his number, and I'm yours. But I only give a 5 if a story meets my number one criteria - a book I truly didn't want to put down. Not only did I not WANT to put down Those Violet Eyes, I didn't!

Ms Davis, you took me on a thoroughly enjoyable ride. Please write more.

[Lhenry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started out really liking this book although I am generally not into the cowboy/ranch kind of romance books. I loved Win from the start and stayed true to him through out. What a nice guy and not bitter about his disabilty, which does not prevent him from doing much! I liked EVie at first too, but her established fiestiness was too much of a contrast to her being completely browbeaten by her brother thanks to the deathbed promise she'd made to her mom and it did not work for me. I also laughed when poor Win was suffering from a PTSD nightmare and Evie's way thay she woke him up was so corny it distracted from the intensity of the moment.

[Lisa Rayns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely endearing!

I was hooked by the title. I love it. The author weaves a wonderful story that’s funny, romantic, and has realistic and fun characters. My absolute favorite parts of this story as a whole are Win’s messages: 1. Go after your dreams, no matter the cost. And 2. What it is to be a man and how to treat a woman. I truly wish more men understood this because there are too many Dooley’s in the world today. I don’t want to give too much away but I thought the ending was perfect. I loved it all. Bravo!

[Amy Rumler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evie and Win! A match sparked in a Honky Tonk that creates an explosive read! Very emotional and will light a spark in your heart! A wounded veteran and a spitfire with a heart of gold and nerves of steel! Vonnie is great at telling a story and making you believe you know her characters or want to know them! When an author can grab your heart and squeeze tight you never want to let the characters go. And Vonnie grabs you hard! Her characters are so real and relatable. Great Story, Great Characters, Great Author! Must Read!

[Jannine Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Win is a wounded war vet, dealing with the physical and emotional scars sustained in Iraq. Evie has her own battles to fight with a ranch to run and a dead beat brother to care for. But their independent natures don't stand a chance when the sparks fly between them. Following Win and Evie's journey to happily ever after was a pleasure. Those Violet Eyes is told with spirit and humor. Well done, Ms. Davis.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Win Fairchild pulls up on his Harley at the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk, expecting to find a way to escape the nightmares that still shadow him after losing his leg and career in the Marines."

Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=7463

[Maxine Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who hasn’t been captivated by a person’s eyes? Those Violet Eyes totally accomplishes just that. So curl up in a comfy chair and a beer and enjoy another segment of Honky Tonk Hearts by Vonnie Davis. ~~ Debi Wilder w/a Maxine Douglas

[Jennifer Jakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved STORM'S INTERLUDE and I LOVED this novella! Vonnie Davis has done it again! I dare you to read this and not fall in love with Win Fairchild!

[Brenda Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vonnie Davis does it again. A great read, entertaining. And a great addition to the Honky Tonk Hearts series. I recommend this book.

[Mystique · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!:)