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Seven Brides for Seven Cowboys #3
The Bride Wore Starlight
Once comfortable on stage in front of thousands, Joely Crockett is now mortified at the thought of walking—or rolling—down the aisle at her sisters’ wedding. Scarred and wheelchair-bound, the former beauty queen has lost more than the ability to walk—she’s lost her fire. But when one handsome, arrogant guest accuses her of milking her injuries and ignites her ire, Joely finally starts to feel truly alive again, and soon it’s impossible for her to resist her heart’s desire.
Alec Morrissey knows a little something about loss. A famous rodeo cowboy before he was injured in Iraq, he’s managed to create something of a normal life, even if it’s not the one he always imagined. Encountering stunning but damaged Joely, he sees a kindred spirit who can learn from his mistakes.
As these two healing souls begin to fall in love under the Wyoming stars, they must discover if they are willing to give in to the tragedies of life or fight for a future together.
An Avon Romance
Alec Morrissey knows a little something about loss. A famous rodeo cowboy before he was injured in Iraq, he’s managed to create something of a normal life, even if it’s not the one he always imagined. Encountering stunning but damaged Joely, he sees a kindred spirit who can learn from his mistakes.
As these two healing souls begin to fall in love under the Wyoming stars, they must discover if they are willing to give in to the tragedies of life or fight for a future together.
An Avon Romance
453 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2015
30 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Lizbeth Selvig
25 books260 followersAward-winning and No.1 Bestselling author Lizbeth Selvig writes heartwarming contemporary romance. Whether set in the Scottish Highlands, a huge ranch in Wyoming, a small town in Minnesota, or a Kentucky racetrack, her strong, fun and funny characters will never do the expected while finding their ways home to family and love.
Lizbeth turned to fiction writing after working as a newspaper journalist and magazine editor, raising an equine veterinarian daughter (handy, since there are usually too many horses in her stories) and a talented musician son (also handy because she’s been known to write about rock stars). She shares life in Minnesota, where her first book series is set, with her best friend (aka her husband, Jan), her two pretty horses, Jedi and Largo, three human grandchildren, and her four-legged grandbabies of which there are nearly thirty (including two alpacas, a couple of small goats, a mammoth-eared donkey, two miniature horses, a pig, and many many dogs, cats and regular-sized horses). In her spare time, she loves to hike, quilt, read, and ride horses. An incorrigible extrovert, she also loves connecting with readers—so contact her any time.
Lizbeth turned to fiction writing after working as a newspaper journalist and magazine editor, raising an equine veterinarian daughter (handy, since there are usually too many horses in her stories) and a talented musician son (also handy because she’s been known to write about rock stars). She shares life in Minnesota, where her first book series is set, with her best friend (aka her husband, Jan), her two pretty horses, Jedi and Largo, three human grandchildren, and her four-legged grandbabies of which there are nearly thirty (including two alpacas, a couple of small goats, a mammoth-eared donkey, two miniature horses, a pig, and many many dogs, cats and regular-sized horses). In her spare time, she loves to hike, quilt, read, and ride horses. An incorrigible extrovert, she also loves connecting with readers—so contact her any time.
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January 28, 2016Full review and rating to come...
ARC provided by Avon by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
ARC provided by Avon by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
January 24, 2016
I enjoyed reading this inspiring story.
This book was very well done and told the heartwarming story of two troubled people who had a lot of healing to do before they began a relationship. Alec and Joelly met at her sisters' double wedding and at first they were more irritated than attracted to each other. Joelly was drowning in her own self pity and Alec wanted her to look past her disability and get on with a new life. He pushed her and there were times when he was hard on her, but he knew how much she needed to fight because he had his own issues and demons to slay.
I enjoyed their banter, and how Alec charmed Joelly, and especially the way he challenged her even when they were both struggling to move on with a normal life. They had ups and downs but they both stood their ground in the relationship. It was a very believable story and very inspiring to read.
I really liked this book and recommend it to everyone.
February 15, 2016
Alec Morrissey...My New Favorite Hero!
Talk about a little tough love..which was exactly what Joely needed. Alec and Joely's relationship was a slow burn...a flame that turned into a full blown inferno of the heart, and I enjoyed every moment, every page, every word.
Lizbeth continues the Seven Brides for Seven Cowboys series with a story of growing, healing and finding true love. THE BRIDE WORE STARLIGHT is a must read for 2016, as is this series. The Crockett Family is one that you will wish you were a part of!
Talk about a little tough love..which was exactly what Joely needed. Alec and Joely's relationship was a slow burn...a flame that turned into a full blown inferno of the heart, and I enjoyed every moment, every page, every word.
Lizbeth continues the Seven Brides for Seven Cowboys series with a story of growing, healing and finding true love. THE BRIDE WORE STARLIGHT is a must read for 2016, as is this series. The Crockett Family is one that you will wish you were a part of!
February 9, 2016
http://www.njkinnysblog.com/2016/02/a...
The Bride Wore Starlight by Lizbeth Selvig is the third book in Seven Brides for Seven Cowboys series but it was my first read from this series as well as from the author. The unusual title and the absolutely lovely cover were the first things that attracted me towards this book. The blurb is also very interesting which is sure to attract readers.
Despite being part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone which was witnessed by me when I randomly picked this book to read not knowing that it was third book in this series. The plot is intriguing and admirably conceived and executed by the author.
Lizbeth Selvig gives us two people facing life altering injuries that have left deep scars both on their bodies as well as their spirit. How they heal and help each other move forward in their lives is emphatically and frankly portrayed by the author.
I was hooked right from the start and was played like a puppet by the author, feeling all the emotions she wanted me to feel right from feeling sorry for and then slightly irritated by Joely's self-pitying actions and then watching her face her fears and move forward in her life by gaining her confidence back as well as falling in love with a fabulously strong hero. Alec again had me initially detesting his too hard approach to Joely's injuries and self-pity party but then slowly he caved a place for himself in my heart. I was impressed by his strength and determination to act normal and his efforts to get Joely face her fears and accept her changed circumstances.
The whole Crockett family had me smiling with their boisterous and tight love for each other. They are nosy, often too pampering, gang up on each other but always stand for each other. I enjoyed meeting Joely's two older sisters, Mia and Harper, along with their other halves, Gage and Cole, who have already been introduced and their stories told in the previous books in this series but despite this their stunning appearance in this book didn't get affected by the fact that I hadn't read the previous books!
The story is medium paced and is a relaxed read that can be read anytime and anywhere.
Two things had me feeling a bit dissatisfied. First, the character, Mayberry's angle is not clear. What was the reason of his appearance? No closure is given to his search for someone and he comes and goes without any significant affect on the story. Second, I think Heidi's character could have been evolved more to give more spice to the story but she is almost too easily brushed off.
All in all, I heartily enjoyed reading this book and give 4 out of 5 to The Bride Wore Starlight. Recommended to all lovers of romance. Go grab this book to read. I know I am going to grab the previous books in this series to read!
I received an ARC from the publishers, Avon and the tour organizers via Edelweiss and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
The Bride Wore Starlight by Lizbeth Selvig is the third book in Seven Brides for Seven Cowboys series but it was my first read from this series as well as from the author. The unusual title and the absolutely lovely cover were the first things that attracted me towards this book. The blurb is also very interesting which is sure to attract readers.
Despite being part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone which was witnessed by me when I randomly picked this book to read not knowing that it was third book in this series. The plot is intriguing and admirably conceived and executed by the author.
Lizbeth Selvig gives us two people facing life altering injuries that have left deep scars both on their bodies as well as their spirit. How they heal and help each other move forward in their lives is emphatically and frankly portrayed by the author.
I was hooked right from the start and was played like a puppet by the author, feeling all the emotions she wanted me to feel right from feeling sorry for and then slightly irritated by Joely's self-pitying actions and then watching her face her fears and move forward in her life by gaining her confidence back as well as falling in love with a fabulously strong hero. Alec again had me initially detesting his too hard approach to Joely's injuries and self-pity party but then slowly he caved a place for himself in my heart. I was impressed by his strength and determination to act normal and his efforts to get Joely face her fears and accept her changed circumstances.
The whole Crockett family had me smiling with their boisterous and tight love for each other. They are nosy, often too pampering, gang up on each other but always stand for each other. I enjoyed meeting Joely's two older sisters, Mia and Harper, along with their other halves, Gage and Cole, who have already been introduced and their stories told in the previous books in this series but despite this their stunning appearance in this book didn't get affected by the fact that I hadn't read the previous books!
The story is medium paced and is a relaxed read that can be read anytime and anywhere.
Two things had me feeling a bit dissatisfied. First, the character, Mayberry's angle is not clear. What was the reason of his appearance? No closure is given to his search for someone and he comes and goes without any significant affect on the story. Second, I think Heidi's character could have been evolved more to give more spice to the story but she is almost too easily brushed off.
All in all, I heartily enjoyed reading this book and give 4 out of 5 to The Bride Wore Starlight. Recommended to all lovers of romance. Go grab this book to read. I know I am going to grab the previous books in this series to read!
I received an ARC from the publishers, Avon and the tour organizers via Edelweiss and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
February 16, 2016
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Avon Impulse in exchange for an honest review.
Of all the men she could have been paired up with, I think she absolutely needed someone like Alexander Morrissey, and not just because Alec was a good-looking man. He refused to pity her or let her continue feeling as if her life meant nothing now that she was damaged goods. He knew from experience what it was like to have something taken from you and be forced to make the necessary changes and adjustments in order to live your new normal. I liked that he was the combination of confidence, cockiness, and care, but for all of that, he still had shadows living in the depths of his being, hidden from those who didn't know him well. He wanted to be there for Joely and pushed her beyond her comfort zone, but he had his own share of hard limits that he refused to budge on. These were two people who had more than their fair share of stumbling blocks and while they were able to manage to hurdle some on their own, it was when they found each other and worked together as a couple that they were finally able to overcome the worst.
This was a beautiful and inspiring story of how love, self-belief, and perseverance can help you conquer what you once thought was impossible. Everyone has their struggles, even someone like Alec who seemed to have all the answers. The fact is, he didn't; no one does. But like Joely learned, choosing not to find those answers is what will lead one to be a defeatist and moving forward and deciding to put in the effort and the work may not always be easy, but the rewards and results will be more than worth it. Their love story was told with heart and honesty and the development of their relationship felt real and natural, but then the first three sisters have all had great love stories to tell, so the triplets, and Lizbeth Selvig, have their work cut out for them. Because the series is about seven brides and there are six sisters, I wonder who the seventh bride will be, not that it matters since I have yet to be disappointed with what the author has given all of us to read. The Bride Wore Starlight had everything I could have asked for. Five-plus stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Avon Impulse in exchange for an honest review.
Of all the men she could have been paired up with, I think she absolutely needed someone like Alexander Morrissey, and not just because Alec was a good-looking man. He refused to pity her or let her continue feeling as if her life meant nothing now that she was damaged goods. He knew from experience what it was like to have something taken from you and be forced to make the necessary changes and adjustments in order to live your new normal. I liked that he was the combination of confidence, cockiness, and care, but for all of that, he still had shadows living in the depths of his being, hidden from those who didn't know him well. He wanted to be there for Joely and pushed her beyond her comfort zone, but he had his own share of hard limits that he refused to budge on. These were two people who had more than their fair share of stumbling blocks and while they were able to manage to hurdle some on their own, it was when they found each other and worked together as a couple that they were finally able to overcome the worst.
This was a beautiful and inspiring story of how love, self-belief, and perseverance can help you conquer what you once thought was impossible. Everyone has their struggles, even someone like Alec who seemed to have all the answers. The fact is, he didn't; no one does. But like Joely learned, choosing not to find those answers is what will lead one to be a defeatist and moving forward and deciding to put in the effort and the work may not always be easy, but the rewards and results will be more than worth it. Their love story was told with heart and honesty and the development of their relationship felt real and natural, but then the first three sisters have all had great love stories to tell, so the triplets, and Lizbeth Selvig, have their work cut out for them. Because the series is about seven brides and there are six sisters, I wonder who the seventh bride will be, not that it matters since I have yet to be disappointed with what the author has given all of us to read. The Bride Wore Starlight had everything I could have asked for. Five-plus stars. ♥
February 11, 2016
I thought this would be a cute bit of fluff, a fun wedding romance, but it turned out to be a wonderfully emotional story about love and loss and overcoming huge physical obstacles. I liked that Alec and Joely's characters were both complex and well developed and they got to know each other really well before a physical relationship developed. And the book cover is pretty gorgeous, too!
Joely Crockett and Alec Morrissey meet each other at her sisters' double wedding. She's the matron of honor, not quite divorced from a cheating husband who abandoned her after a horrific car accident. She's been in assisted living, not wanting to be a burden to her family, petrified to try to move on with her life. Alec is a former rodeo champion who enlisted in the service with his cousin after 9/11 and is standing up for one of the grooms.
At first Joely just finds Alec annoying because he keeps pushing her to do things she's frightened of, like taking some steps on her own or dancing with him at the wedding without making a huge spectacle of herself. And he thinks that she's drowning in self-pity and he's just the person to throw her a life preserver!
As they spend time together after the wedding, Alec tries to show her just how alike they are and how much he's recovered since losing a leg to an IED while overseas. But he can't admit even to himself that there are still some emotional issues that he can't face on his own. A nicely inspiring HEA just in time for Valentine's Day!
I received this book as an ARC from Edelweiss. Look for more reviews at https://ladieswholunchreviews.WordPre...
Joely Crockett and Alec Morrissey meet each other at her sisters' double wedding. She's the matron of honor, not quite divorced from a cheating husband who abandoned her after a horrific car accident. She's been in assisted living, not wanting to be a burden to her family, petrified to try to move on with her life. Alec is a former rodeo champion who enlisted in the service with his cousin after 9/11 and is standing up for one of the grooms.
At first Joely just finds Alec annoying because he keeps pushing her to do things she's frightened of, like taking some steps on her own or dancing with him at the wedding without making a huge spectacle of herself. And he thinks that she's drowning in self-pity and he's just the person to throw her a life preserver!
As they spend time together after the wedding, Alec tries to show her just how alike they are and how much he's recovered since losing a leg to an IED while overseas. But he can't admit even to himself that there are still some emotional issues that he can't face on his own. A nicely inspiring HEA just in time for Valentine's Day!
I received this book as an ARC from Edelweiss. Look for more reviews at https://ladieswholunchreviews.WordPre...
February 12, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review and as part of the book's blog tour promotions.
I lova good bride romance. Seriously. This book is the htird book in the series and I, unfortunately, wasn't able to read the first two. However, The Bride Wore starlight can easily be a standalone, so I didn't feel like I entered the twilight zone by starting out in the third book. I have to say that this book gave me everything I was expecting from it.
The main characters were both survivors of their past. Although the hero was in a better place than the heroine, they were still the same soul in a way because they both went through similar things. I like how both characters really showed development in the story. The hero and the heroine became better people individually by the end of the book. This is what I want in a book. I want there to be a significant difference in the characters. I want to know that they took away life lessons in a certain part of their story. And I got that from this book. Right now, I'm strongly thinking of going back to the first two books because I want to see how the series started and how it progressed from the first book to the third. All in all, this is a good read, and I definitely enjoyed it.
I lova good bride romance. Seriously. This book is the htird book in the series and I, unfortunately, wasn't able to read the first two. However, The Bride Wore starlight can easily be a standalone, so I didn't feel like I entered the twilight zone by starting out in the third book. I have to say that this book gave me everything I was expecting from it.
The main characters were both survivors of their past. Although the hero was in a better place than the heroine, they were still the same soul in a way because they both went through similar things. I like how both characters really showed development in the story. The hero and the heroine became better people individually by the end of the book. This is what I want in a book. I want there to be a significant difference in the characters. I want to know that they took away life lessons in a certain part of their story. And I got that from this book. Right now, I'm strongly thinking of going back to the first two books because I want to see how the series started and how it progressed from the first book to the third. All in all, this is a good read, and I definitely enjoyed it.
February 23, 2016
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Joelly's story is inspiring and hard to put down. I could feel her frustration, and I think she was on the verge of a downward spiral. (With that being said, I don't think her family would have allowed that t fully happen.) Alec enters the picture, and at first he was an annoying little bugger, but Joelly was up for his challenges even if she didn't know it. Alec was in for a few challenges of his own that he didn't see coming. Watching them both overcome some pretty major obstacles was heartwarming, hopeful, and not to mention entertaining. It was hard love at times, but not always. I'm loving this series, and I can't wait to get my hands on more of these books!
The ARC of The Bride Wore Starlight was kindly provided to me by the publisher through Edelweiss for review. The opinions are my own.
February 4, 2016
Lizbeth Selvig's writing connects to her readers. The Seven Brides for Seven Cowboys series was a discovery I do not regret. Thanks to Avon, Edelweiss and Ms. Selvig, I have loved every single book. Have nicknamed them the five star collection and will continue until the end. I was blessed to received an ARC of The Bride Wore Starlight in exchange for an honest review. It would have been so easy to see this read as a dismal look at life's heartbreaking moments. However, with a little bit of laughter, quite a few tears and outstanding writing this story became about appreciating the blessings and the lessons from each experience whether good or bad. Make the most of the time you have and the people you love. I am getting emotional just from writing this review.
February 16, 2016
A heartfelt romance that I could not put down. Joely, is recovering from a terrible MVA, that has left her many scars and walking with assistance. Alec, is new to town and his own physical limitations. What a perfect match!! Alec is the perfect person to kick Joely in the butt, to accept the changes and move on. It turns out though that they both have emotional scars that need to be healed too.
My favorite line from the book is, " You need to learn to be you and love it". I think we can all learn by that line. This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book, along with the rest of the books in the series. Liz Selvig is an auto buy for me!!
My favorite line from the book is, " You need to learn to be you and love it". I think we can all learn by that line. This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book, along with the rest of the books in the series. Liz Selvig is an auto buy for me!!
January 20, 2016
The storyline was quite different which really attracted me to this book. Two handicapped people are determined to live their lives to the fuller, but not really. How they help each other was very inspiring.
January 14, 2016
Another great entry in this series.
July 26, 2023
I wanted to pick this up as the heroine has a disability and uses mobility aids. I was surprised to find that the hero has a prosthetic too.
Joely Crockett tries to be happy as she celebrates her two sisters double wedding. She is still healing from the injuries of an accident that left many scars inside and out and going through a divorce. She is quite in a slump when she meets cocky Alec Morrissey, a well know bronc rider who has retired. Alec challenges her to come out of her shell and learn to be more independent.
Alec hides scars as well as he doesn't want to be remembered as a bronc star and now leads a quieter life working for a trucking company. I liked the way he helps her do the things she was passionate about like horse riding. Joely struggles with her looks after being praised for it in the past and being know as a "pretty face". I liked how she takes matters into her own hands and finds the strength to push through her limitations. There is alot of individual character growth for both of them and the setting was nice - both of them are expert horse riders! Plus the big family and side plots made things interesting.
The theme of small town with roaches, cattle and cowboys just worked. I did not read the first two books and thought this was fine as a standalone.
Joely Crockett tries to be happy as she celebrates her two sisters double wedding. She is still healing from the injuries of an accident that left many scars inside and out and going through a divorce. She is quite in a slump when she meets cocky Alec Morrissey, a well know bronc rider who has retired. Alec challenges her to come out of her shell and learn to be more independent.
Alec hides scars as well as he doesn't want to be remembered as a bronc star and now leads a quieter life working for a trucking company. I liked the way he helps her do the things she was passionate about like horse riding. Joely struggles with her looks after being praised for it in the past and being know as a "pretty face". I liked how she takes matters into her own hands and finds the strength to push through her limitations. There is alot of individual character growth for both of them and the setting was nice - both of them are expert horse riders! Plus the big family and side plots made things interesting.
The theme of small town with roaches, cattle and cowboys just worked. I did not read the first two books and thought this was fine as a standalone.
February 19, 2019
Wow! This book has been on my shelf for a couple of years. I read all the others in the series, but for some crazy reason I put off Joely and Alec's story. It was by far the best thing I've read in quite a while. It blew my socks off. It was soooooo good!
This is a romance, but also so much more than a romance. It deals with physical handicaps and getting the guts to move on with your life after a traumatic event and disfigurement. Alec and Joely both had physical and mental mountains to climb after their accidents that left them less than whole.
Alec was determined to help Joely get over herself (pity party for one!) and get her back to living. He didn't realize that Joely would also make him face his stumbling block and demand that he overcome it.
Their romance was just so lovely to witness. I think this has become my new favorite book. Loved, loved, loved it! It really is Lizbeth Selvig at her best.
This is a romance, but also so much more than a romance. It deals with physical handicaps and getting the guts to move on with your life after a traumatic event and disfigurement. Alec and Joely both had physical and mental mountains to climb after their accidents that left them less than whole.
Alec was determined to help Joely get over herself (pity party for one!) and get her back to living. He didn't realize that Joely would also make him face his stumbling block and demand that he overcome it.
Their romance was just so lovely to witness. I think this has become my new favorite book. Loved, loved, loved it! It really is Lizbeth Selvig at her best.
December 7, 2017
The third book in Lizbeth Selvig's Seven Brides for Seven Cowboys series is called The Bride Wore Starlight. This story of Joely Crockett and Alec Morrissey, takes place in Wyoming. These two people are dealing with personal losses the best way they know how. Joely is struggling to walk unassisted after a car accident and Alec is dealing with his injury from his time in Iraq. Alec has a way of irritating Joey that leads to her "I'll show you" attitude. I was entertained by their story. I enjoyed watching them confront challenges head on. The secondary characters added a lot to the story. I also liked the small town atmosphere. Now I want to read the other books in this series!
February 17, 2016
As a reader with a physical disability I applaud Ms. Selvig for tackling such a deep issue with great care and compassion as on a whole this story was nicely crafted. The negative emotions and frustrations of being newly disabled were believable as were the feelings of acceptance after being disabled for a number of years. Each person grieves in their own way, and on their own time frame, and this story is about two scarred people on a journey of healing trying to find HEA. Readers will find moments of humor intertwined with moments of heartache over the loss of dreams and will find themselves quickly caught up in a narrative full of intense emotions.
Joely was once the golden girl with the pageant queen body whose life seemed to be charmed as she grew up the center of attention with things coming to her easily. Whatever she tried she succeeded at which gave her a feeling of invincibility that was shattered, along with her body, after a tragic accident led to death and scars both inside and out. She's not dealing with her loss at all well and is mired in pity and negativity, scared of moving forward out of a fear of failure. While her family is supportive they're also a bit over-protective which keeps her stuck in a rut and scared of going outside of her comfort zone. For too long others have led her through life but now she must lead herself and she's completely lost. At story's start she's a bit whiny, quick to cry and easy to embarrass, which made her slow to warm up to. Thankfully, at the height of my frustrations with her, she met an unforgettable man with scars of his own who encouraged her like none other and led her on a journey of empowerment and love in a friends to lovers path to HEA.
Alec was once the playboy of the rodeo circuit and living life to the fullest. After a second tour of duty overseas though left him with a prosthetic leg he hit rock bottom before a close friend pulled him back from the abyss. With everything he's been through he's the perfect person to help Joely heal and start living her life again as he doesn't sugarcoat anything and pushes her beyond her self-imposed boundaries. Alec's not completely healed though either as he's been uninterested in committing to one woman until now and is still trying to find a career that satisfies him. Being around Joely arouses feelings in him he's not felt for a long time and pushing her has him pushing himself when an unexpected opportunity comes his way. Alec's a larger than life character when we first meet him, a bit brazen and a bit obnoxious when he first encounters Joely. He rarely censored his thoughts which led to a few awkward moments between him and Joely, but despite those foot-in-the-mouth moments he was still charming, sexy, and supportive in helping her gain independance.
Overall this was an intensely emotional romance that shows the strength of the human spirit to move on. Joely and Alec are a compelling couple who start off as friends who hold nothing back before connecting in a more sensual way. Alongside this strong-willed main couple was an equally likable cast of secondary characters made up of family and friends whose stories were told in previous installments and expanded upon here to further their HEAs. Though this book is part of a series in can definitely stand on its own with its strong statement on disability and survival that makes this a commendable read. Readers who enjoy small town romances with charm that deal realistically with real life issues will want to add this tale to their bookshelf and Ms. Selvig to their list of authors to keep an eye on in the future for the talent she displays here.
Joely was once the golden girl with the pageant queen body whose life seemed to be charmed as she grew up the center of attention with things coming to her easily. Whatever she tried she succeeded at which gave her a feeling of invincibility that was shattered, along with her body, after a tragic accident led to death and scars both inside and out. She's not dealing with her loss at all well and is mired in pity and negativity, scared of moving forward out of a fear of failure. While her family is supportive they're also a bit over-protective which keeps her stuck in a rut and scared of going outside of her comfort zone. For too long others have led her through life but now she must lead herself and she's completely lost. At story's start she's a bit whiny, quick to cry and easy to embarrass, which made her slow to warm up to. Thankfully, at the height of my frustrations with her, she met an unforgettable man with scars of his own who encouraged her like none other and led her on a journey of empowerment and love in a friends to lovers path to HEA.
Alec was once the playboy of the rodeo circuit and living life to the fullest. After a second tour of duty overseas though left him with a prosthetic leg he hit rock bottom before a close friend pulled him back from the abyss. With everything he's been through he's the perfect person to help Joely heal and start living her life again as he doesn't sugarcoat anything and pushes her beyond her self-imposed boundaries. Alec's not completely healed though either as he's been uninterested in committing to one woman until now and is still trying to find a career that satisfies him. Being around Joely arouses feelings in him he's not felt for a long time and pushing her has him pushing himself when an unexpected opportunity comes his way. Alec's a larger than life character when we first meet him, a bit brazen and a bit obnoxious when he first encounters Joely. He rarely censored his thoughts which led to a few awkward moments between him and Joely, but despite those foot-in-the-mouth moments he was still charming, sexy, and supportive in helping her gain independance.
Overall this was an intensely emotional romance that shows the strength of the human spirit to move on. Joely and Alec are a compelling couple who start off as friends who hold nothing back before connecting in a more sensual way. Alongside this strong-willed main couple was an equally likable cast of secondary characters made up of family and friends whose stories were told in previous installments and expanded upon here to further their HEAs. Though this book is part of a series in can definitely stand on its own with its strong statement on disability and survival that makes this a commendable read. Readers who enjoy small town romances with charm that deal realistically with real life issues will want to add this tale to their bookshelf and Ms. Selvig to their list of authors to keep an eye on in the future for the talent she displays here.
February 11, 2016
An accident just as she was starting to realign her life after finally declaring her marriage over, Joely lost her horse, many of her belongings and her ease of movement in a crash with an overloaded logging truck not far from Paradise Ranch. Lucky to be alive, she was left with several scars, severe muscle damage in her leg and a bucketful of self-pity. Growing up, Joely had always been told by her father that she was ‘the pretty one’, and her dreams of veterinary school with an equine focus were ‘too much’. Always feeling a bit on the fringe with Harper and Mia’s battles or the triplet’s seeming unification, her self-esteem, determination and perseverance are at an all-time low. But the joint wedding of her two older sisters, in which she tis meant to participate, brings her back to the family home.
Alec Morrissey is Mia’s husband to be’s friend and groomsman. A former bronc rider, he disappeared from the rodeo scene and the fame that went with it. He’s one of the only people who doesn’t seem to take Joely’s “I Can’t” for truth – prodding and pushing her forward, challenging her stubborn refusal to try, forcing her into facing her own lack of effort and fears about regaining her mobility. But he’s not just speaking to her from a cheerleader’s perspective: he lost his leg in an IED blast, and spent many months learning to work with his prosthetic, even as he buried other issues in a hatbox in the closet.
These two spark off one another instantly, and bringing Joely face to face with her whinging and defeatist attitude is one of the first changes: she does make some early changes mostly due to her anger and a ‘how dare he’ response. But she’s also intrigued by Alec, and finds his belief in her abilities, and the no-nonsense approach he takes to her attempts are far less annoying than the sense of being smothered and coddled she gets from her family.
It’s not a quick or particularly easy read in many places, Selvig has drawn us deeply into Joely’s depression and throws us right against the wall that Alec has built around himself: but these characters grow and develop a need for one another that is palpable. Alec is calmed and lightened by Joely’s presence, she’s challenged by and strengthened by his. Most importantly, they prod and poke at one another in just the right way: making them face fears and issues that were long ignored, buried or even unknown. Together they do find the best, if not easiest, versions of themselves as they both grow up and change. This is a story that grows on you, mixing laughter, tears, outrage and even some “OOH I need to SHAKE you silly” moments that had me reading through to the end. Start this series from the beginning: you won’t regret it.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Alec Morrissey is Mia’s husband to be’s friend and groomsman. A former bronc rider, he disappeared from the rodeo scene and the fame that went with it. He’s one of the only people who doesn’t seem to take Joely’s “I Can’t” for truth – prodding and pushing her forward, challenging her stubborn refusal to try, forcing her into facing her own lack of effort and fears about regaining her mobility. But he’s not just speaking to her from a cheerleader’s perspective: he lost his leg in an IED blast, and spent many months learning to work with his prosthetic, even as he buried other issues in a hatbox in the closet.
These two spark off one another instantly, and bringing Joely face to face with her whinging and defeatist attitude is one of the first changes: she does make some early changes mostly due to her anger and a ‘how dare he’ response. But she’s also intrigued by Alec, and finds his belief in her abilities, and the no-nonsense approach he takes to her attempts are far less annoying than the sense of being smothered and coddled she gets from her family.
It’s not a quick or particularly easy read in many places, Selvig has drawn us deeply into Joely’s depression and throws us right against the wall that Alec has built around himself: but these characters grow and develop a need for one another that is palpable. Alec is calmed and lightened by Joely’s presence, she’s challenged by and strengthened by his. Most importantly, they prod and poke at one another in just the right way: making them face fears and issues that were long ignored, buried or even unknown. Together they do find the best, if not easiest, versions of themselves as they both grow up and change. This is a story that grows on you, mixing laughter, tears, outrage and even some “OOH I need to SHAKE you silly” moments that had me reading through to the end. Start this series from the beginning: you won’t regret it.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
February 17, 2016
It been a while since I had read a Liz Selvig book and I had heard some good things about this series, go I thought I would pick one up and why not begin with The Bride Wore Starlight, her latest book.
So the story is about Joely Crockett; Joely and her mother were involved in a nasty car accident 9 months ago and those 9 months have been the toughest of her life as not only is she battling to walk again, she is dealing with the emotions from the crash, an unfaithful husband who doesn't even bother to turn up at the hospital and now she has to face the pitting remarks at her two sisters double wedding. But what she didn't expect is running into a man like Alec Morrissey, a man who accused her of milking her injuries to get attention from everyone.
Alec Morrissey knows how Joely feels more than anyone. Alec used to be a big rodeo star, before going into the army with his cousin Buzz, but when his tour was done, he not only lost his cousin and his family, but a part of himself too. Add to that a friend from the past is trying to get him back in the rodeo, which makes Alec dig his heels in more. After an uneasy start Alec and Joely became a little more than friend, but their pasts are holding them back, will they overcome these obstacles or will they stay caught up in the past.
The book is a part of a series and I will be honest, you really do need to read the series, before getting into this book as there are a lot of references and characters they really have very little explanation. Now while I found the writing superb, I found that the plot had issues, some parts of the story needed a little streamline and other parts needed to be expanded, I honestly think that was the biggest issues I had with the book, I felt that the book was on the cusp of greatness, but the bumpy ride the plot gives you was just a little to bumpy to deal with. Now when it comes to the characters, I found Alec's character very likable, I struggled with Joely's characters, her character come across as so self-centered in the beginning, that when her real personality came through later in the book, I struggled to like her.
But please don't think that there are not great parts to the story, because there really are. The lesson of overcoming adversity was great. I really loved Joely's sister Mia and her Grandmother Sadie. The character Heidi was hysterical, even though I am sure she was not meant to be and I am sure I will never see a skunk and not think about this book (for the right reasons) and when the first time Joely parallel parked after her accident had me laughing like an idiot.
When it came to rating this book I really struggled, as I felt it deserved a better score that what I ended up giving it, but the plot issues were just a little too much for me to overcome. The book has such an inspiring message that I truly loved and I will be going back and reading the series from the beginning, I give The Bride Wore Starlight 3 and 1/2 stars.
So the story is about Joely Crockett; Joely and her mother were involved in a nasty car accident 9 months ago and those 9 months have been the toughest of her life as not only is she battling to walk again, she is dealing with the emotions from the crash, an unfaithful husband who doesn't even bother to turn up at the hospital and now she has to face the pitting remarks at her two sisters double wedding. But what she didn't expect is running into a man like Alec Morrissey, a man who accused her of milking her injuries to get attention from everyone.
Alec Morrissey knows how Joely feels more than anyone. Alec used to be a big rodeo star, before going into the army with his cousin Buzz, but when his tour was done, he not only lost his cousin and his family, but a part of himself too. Add to that a friend from the past is trying to get him back in the rodeo, which makes Alec dig his heels in more. After an uneasy start Alec and Joely became a little more than friend, but their pasts are holding them back, will they overcome these obstacles or will they stay caught up in the past.
The book is a part of a series and I will be honest, you really do need to read the series, before getting into this book as there are a lot of references and characters they really have very little explanation. Now while I found the writing superb, I found that the plot had issues, some parts of the story needed a little streamline and other parts needed to be expanded, I honestly think that was the biggest issues I had with the book, I felt that the book was on the cusp of greatness, but the bumpy ride the plot gives you was just a little to bumpy to deal with. Now when it comes to the characters, I found Alec's character very likable, I struggled with Joely's characters, her character come across as so self-centered in the beginning, that when her real personality came through later in the book, I struggled to like her.
But please don't think that there are not great parts to the story, because there really are. The lesson of overcoming adversity was great. I really loved Joely's sister Mia and her Grandmother Sadie. The character Heidi was hysterical, even though I am sure she was not meant to be and I am sure I will never see a skunk and not think about this book (for the right reasons) and when the first time Joely parallel parked after her accident had me laughing like an idiot.
When it came to rating this book I really struggled, as I felt it deserved a better score that what I ended up giving it, but the plot issues were just a little too much for me to overcome. The book has such an inspiring message that I truly loved and I will be going back and reading the series from the beginning, I give The Bride Wore Starlight 3 and 1/2 stars.
March 17, 2016
The Bride Wore Starlight (Seven Brides for Seven Cowboys #3) by Lizbeth Selvig is an amazing story about finding your inner strength, trusting yourself and finding love again. I have read all of the books in this series to date, and I can tell you that each book stands well on it's own, but it is so worth reading each and every book. It is like being part of the big crazy Crockett family. This is the story of Joely and Alec.
Joely Crockett seems to have lost a lot. Her father has passed away, her husband cheated on her, she and her mother were in an accident that killed her beloved horse and left her scared and with little use of her leg. When her older sisters request that she be maid of honor in their upcoming double wedding all Joely wants to do is hide away and avoid being the talk of the town. But it time for her to put on her big girl pants and support her family. Even if that means being pestered by Alec Morrissey, who seems to push her buttons, convince her to do things she is not able to do, and unwilling to allow her to wallow in self-pity..
Alec Morrissey knows alot about loss. He lost his cousin in the war, lost a leg in the war, and lost his chance at the career that he once loves so much Rodeo. But he does not let his disability keep him down. And if his voice of reason and his experience can help Joely find the courage that she needs to get out of her wheel chair and start living life instead of sitting on the side lines and watching it pass her by that he will do whatever it takes.
As these two push and pull at each other, they begin to realize that they have so much more in common. Each is willing too help the other get past their fear and self doubt, and in the end, they just might find out that they perfect together, despite their imperfections.
I loved the banter and the prodding that Alec and Joely carried throughout the book. I loved the connection between these two. Joely was unsure of what she wanted in life. She was always told by her father that she did not need to follow her dream of becoming and vet, that she could find so much more to do with her life. She was let down by her husband, who let's face it, is a scumbag to the highest degree. She is shocked that she and Alec have so much in common and when she learned of his injury, she tries to learn from his example.
Alec tried not to be condescending and pushy. He knows what Joely has been through, but his is always there with an arm to lean on, to help support her and only wants her dreams to come true. He goes to great lengths to prove to her that she is not a sum of her injuries. They do not define who she is and do not limit what she can do. I loved the ending for these two. I was amazing and beautiful and exactly what a HEA should be.
I look forward to more in this amazing series.
Joely Crockett seems to have lost a lot. Her father has passed away, her husband cheated on her, she and her mother were in an accident that killed her beloved horse and left her scared and with little use of her leg. When her older sisters request that she be maid of honor in their upcoming double wedding all Joely wants to do is hide away and avoid being the talk of the town. But it time for her to put on her big girl pants and support her family. Even if that means being pestered by Alec Morrissey, who seems to push her buttons, convince her to do things she is not able to do, and unwilling to allow her to wallow in self-pity..
Alec Morrissey knows alot about loss. He lost his cousin in the war, lost a leg in the war, and lost his chance at the career that he once loves so much Rodeo. But he does not let his disability keep him down. And if his voice of reason and his experience can help Joely find the courage that she needs to get out of her wheel chair and start living life instead of sitting on the side lines and watching it pass her by that he will do whatever it takes.
As these two push and pull at each other, they begin to realize that they have so much more in common. Each is willing too help the other get past their fear and self doubt, and in the end, they just might find out that they perfect together, despite their imperfections.
I loved the banter and the prodding that Alec and Joely carried throughout the book. I loved the connection between these two. Joely was unsure of what she wanted in life. She was always told by her father that she did not need to follow her dream of becoming and vet, that she could find so much more to do with her life. She was let down by her husband, who let's face it, is a scumbag to the highest degree. She is shocked that she and Alec have so much in common and when she learned of his injury, she tries to learn from his example.
Alec tried not to be condescending and pushy. He knows what Joely has been through, but his is always there with an arm to lean on, to help support her and only wants her dreams to come true. He goes to great lengths to prove to her that she is not a sum of her injuries. They do not define who she is and do not limit what she can do. I loved the ending for these two. I was amazing and beautiful and exactly what a HEA should be.
I look forward to more in this amazing series.
February 15, 2016
Former beauty queen Joely Crockett has always been use to being the center of attention, and has always been most comfortable surrounded by a crowd, but after some recent changes in her life, that isn't really the case anymore. After being hurt in an car accident and deemed wheelchair bound her outgoing spirit has really diminished, and she is really struggling to accept her disability, and find a way to live with it. She has become a shell of the vibrant person she once was, and has begun to find it so easy to arm herself with excuses, and use her disability to keep her from doing things that she once loved. But with her sister's impending nuptials fast approaching, and their expectations of her being a part of their wedding, she is going to have to find a way to deal with her doubts and be present for them no matter how scary it is for her. She just needs a little push in the right direction...
Alec Morrissey never expected his life to turn out the way it has, after losing a leg to an IED while serving overseas, he was forced take a different path in life, and while it was challenging, he never gave up, or lost sight of the important things. He has accepted his fate, and learned how deal with the challenges caused by his injury, and has managed to create somewhat of a normal life for himself. So, it is hard for him to see a beautiful girl at his friends wedding struggling to deal with disability, something inside him wants to help her find her way again. While his approach to helping her may not seem right to some, he knows giving her a little push in the right direction, and forcing her to step out of her comfort zone might just be what she needs. Who knows maybe helping her could help him out a little too..
I have been anxiously awaiting for the opportunity to make a return to visit to this series and get better acquainted with another member of the Crockett family. As soon as I read the synopsis for Joely's story I knew it was going to be a good read, and I am happy to report that my instincts were spot on, this story had it all! It was brimming with emotion, overflowing with heart, and had a little heat mixed in here and there!! The story line pulled me almost immediately and had me flying right through the pages in search of what I hoped to be a very well deserved happily ever after...and I have to say Ms. Selvig definitely granted all my wishes..and then some!! If you like small town romance stories, with a lot of heart, and a little humor, then I highly recommend you give this series a try... the Crockett family is destined to steal your heart and leave you with a smile on your face!!
ARC requested through Edelweiss and kindly provided by Avon Publishing in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
Alec Morrissey never expected his life to turn out the way it has, after losing a leg to an IED while serving overseas, he was forced take a different path in life, and while it was challenging, he never gave up, or lost sight of the important things. He has accepted his fate, and learned how deal with the challenges caused by his injury, and has managed to create somewhat of a normal life for himself. So, it is hard for him to see a beautiful girl at his friends wedding struggling to deal with disability, something inside him wants to help her find her way again. While his approach to helping her may not seem right to some, he knows giving her a little push in the right direction, and forcing her to step out of her comfort zone might just be what she needs. Who knows maybe helping her could help him out a little too..
I have been anxiously awaiting for the opportunity to make a return to visit to this series and get better acquainted with another member of the Crockett family. As soon as I read the synopsis for Joely's story I knew it was going to be a good read, and I am happy to report that my instincts were spot on, this story had it all! It was brimming with emotion, overflowing with heart, and had a little heat mixed in here and there!! The story line pulled me almost immediately and had me flying right through the pages in search of what I hoped to be a very well deserved happily ever after...and I have to say Ms. Selvig definitely granted all my wishes..and then some!! If you like small town romance stories, with a lot of heart, and a little humor, then I highly recommend you give this series a try... the Crockett family is destined to steal your heart and leave you with a smile on your face!!
ARC requested through Edelweiss and kindly provided by Avon Publishing in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
March 10, 2016
Joely Crockett has struggled with what her life has become since a devastating car accident left her most prized possession dead. She's never going to be the beauty she once was, now that she's scarred, bound to a wheelchair and having to be rolled down the aisle at her sister's wedding. However, it's not long before she's finding the spark she once had before she was injured, and it's all due to Alec Morrissey, a man that's had his own fair share of loss.
Having enjoyed the other books of this series, I couldn't wait to read what was in store for Joely, and again Ms. Selvig has penned an incredible read about two main characters overcoming the tragedies of their pasts, so they can have a chance at happy ever after. This book started off brilliantly, but it was when the hero and heroine met that the story really took off for me. Becoming fast-paced and completely engrossing with its well-written dialogue that was a perfect blend of playful and intense.
I absolutely loved both main characters, their back stories and the challenges they had to overcome to be together. Such as a soon-to-be ex-husband giving Joely grief, and whether Alec can give his aunt and uncle a second chance. Alec is good for Joely. He really pushes the heroine to see that she's not helpless. That she can do anything she wants to, if she's willing to take charge of her life, instead of allowing her injuries to continue to hold her back. Plus, it helps that he's been in a similar situation.
While the heroine, she really grows throughout this story. At first, she seems rather fragile with everything that's happened to her. Yet, once she meets Alec, she becomes strong and brave. A real fighter. Determined to reclaim her life, and see which aspects of her old life she can still do. Such as ride a horse, drive a car, even discover whether she has a chance to try for the career she's always wanted.
The chemistry between Alec and Joely is really intense from the moment they meet, and every time they banter, whether playfully or either of them losing their temper, the sexual tension increases until it's spills over onto the pages in nicely-detailed sex scenes.
Overall, I loved this story and believe it's the best one yet of the series. Besides, I really liked how much the secondary characters encouraged their relationship because if anyone deserved to be happy it was Joely. The story ended wonderfully with Alec surprising Joely in more ways than one. Firstly, by doing something that he swore he'd never do again and then by asking Joely about their future together. I would highly recommend The Bride Wore Starlight, especially if you enjoy ex-military heroes, cowboys, or wounded heroines fighting for that much deserved second chance.
February 20, 2016
Posted on What I'm Reading
All right, I thought The Bride Wore Starlight was extremely cute and it gave hope that all things are possible. At the beginning we meet Joely Crockett who is feeling down and out about her life. She's had been use to being the beautiful one, but an accident had alter her appearance slightly. Afterwards she didn't she didn't see herself as beautiful. It's hard, for someone who has been told they are pretty and something that rocks their world to come out on top again. Plus, her jerk of soon to be ex tries to get her to sign the divorce papers right away and basically trying to give her pittance. Which I think she should have gone after a more, because he cheated on her and other things. We are going to leave that subject alone because that will just rile me up. Basically, Joely is feeling down and out. She actually feels this way for most of the book. However, there is a bug that seems to rile her up and his name is Alec Morrissey.
Now Alec sees Joely and thinks she's the most beautiful girl even with the scars and just wants to get to know her. He notices that she's down on her luck, but he eggs her on. Some might not appreciate that he's kind of rude, but he sees someone who needs help and he might have to push a little hard.
I adore these two, because Joely looks at Alec like why are you doing this to me. Alec sees her as someone that needs to be pushed, because everyone else is going to coddle her. Not only does she open up to him, she was able to crack that boy open too.
Overall, I found The Bride Wore Starlight as a cute read about two people over coming the past. Both of them help one another to overcome the past. It's not an easy task, because they have to face their fears. Yet they overcome them. Yes, Joely is a little mopey, but she need to realize that there was more to her than her beauty. Alec had to face his past, but you don't realize that until it gets closer to the end. So, if you are looking for a sweet little read, you might give The Bride Wore Starlight a try.
Favorite Quote:
"No, don't say that. You had a terrible accident. Now that you're part of me, of my life, I hate that it left you felling ugly. But you aren't. The scars aren't. They're here because you are, and thank God."
Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss.
All right, I thought The Bride Wore Starlight was extremely cute and it gave hope that all things are possible. At the beginning we meet Joely Crockett who is feeling down and out about her life. She's had been use to being the beautiful one, but an accident had alter her appearance slightly. Afterwards she didn't she didn't see herself as beautiful. It's hard, for someone who has been told they are pretty and something that rocks their world to come out on top again. Plus, her jerk of soon to be ex tries to get her to sign the divorce papers right away and basically trying to give her pittance. Which I think she should have gone after a more, because he cheated on her and other things. We are going to leave that subject alone because that will just rile me up. Basically, Joely is feeling down and out. She actually feels this way for most of the book. However, there is a bug that seems to rile her up and his name is Alec Morrissey.
Now Alec sees Joely and thinks she's the most beautiful girl even with the scars and just wants to get to know her. He notices that she's down on her luck, but he eggs her on. Some might not appreciate that he's kind of rude, but he sees someone who needs help and he might have to push a little hard.
I adore these two, because Joely looks at Alec like why are you doing this to me. Alec sees her as someone that needs to be pushed, because everyone else is going to coddle her. Not only does she open up to him, she was able to crack that boy open too.
Overall, I found The Bride Wore Starlight as a cute read about two people over coming the past. Both of them help one another to overcome the past. It's not an easy task, because they have to face their fears. Yet they overcome them. Yes, Joely is a little mopey, but she need to realize that there was more to her than her beauty. Alec had to face his past, but you don't realize that until it gets closer to the end. So, if you are looking for a sweet little read, you might give The Bride Wore Starlight a try.
Favorite Quote:
"No, don't say that. You had a terrible accident. Now that you're part of me, of my life, I hate that it left you felling ugly. But you aren't. The scars aren't. They're here because you are, and thank God."
Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss.
June 12, 2016
Joely is the middle of the Crockett sisters. She was the one who when everything came crashing down after their father's death decided that with her mother's help she would take over Paradise Ranch and see if she could save it.
Coming home from California with her possessions in tow Joely and her mother, Bella, are involved in a horrific accident. Joely is left broken, physically and emotionally. Her soon to be ex-husband never checks on her. Her sister's take turns hovering over her. And all she wants to do is be left alone to wallow in whatever it is that is going on with her.
Enter Alec Morrissey....Gabe's good friend and best man. Joely's two older sisters have found love and decided in a show of unity to share their wedding day. Joely is Matron of Honor and is mortified that she is going to have to go through this in a wheelchair. (The former beauty queen in her has enough pride to not want to be pitied or babied.) This is when we meet Alec.
He's a former championship Bronc rider who lost part of his leg in Iraq. He has a prosthetic leg and scars on his soul that haven't quite healed yet. Immediately he sets Joely on edge with his words of wisdom and way of making her think about what she is doing and why. Joely half the time wants to know who the heck does this guy think he is talking to her like that and the other half wondering why bother, what's left for her?
He doesn't tell her right away just how he knows what she is going through and where his "wisdom" comes from. He too has kept his missing limb a secret from most people...doesn't want the pity or worse, revulsion he has seen in the eyes of others when they "get a load of his stump". But when Joely finds out about it....yup, it's emotional to say the least.
Now Alec starts getting ghosts of his past catching up with him. His good buddy and ex-rodeo buddy Vince connects with him to tell him of his acquiring the one bronc Alec could never master and referring to some tequila fueled silly bet made a long, long time ago. Joely and Alec fight a lot over this...why is it she has to face her past and yet he won't?
As with every romance we get our mending of broken hearts, broken families and broken dreams. Joely learns to stand on her own two feet, figuratively and literally, while Alec learns what trust is really about and how great forgiveness can be.
Not sure who the next story is about or when it's coming out so we'll just wait and see.
Coming home from California with her possessions in tow Joely and her mother, Bella, are involved in a horrific accident. Joely is left broken, physically and emotionally. Her soon to be ex-husband never checks on her. Her sister's take turns hovering over her. And all she wants to do is be left alone to wallow in whatever it is that is going on with her.
Enter Alec Morrissey....Gabe's good friend and best man. Joely's two older sisters have found love and decided in a show of unity to share their wedding day. Joely is Matron of Honor and is mortified that she is going to have to go through this in a wheelchair. (The former beauty queen in her has enough pride to not want to be pitied or babied.) This is when we meet Alec.
He's a former championship Bronc rider who lost part of his leg in Iraq. He has a prosthetic leg and scars on his soul that haven't quite healed yet. Immediately he sets Joely on edge with his words of wisdom and way of making her think about what she is doing and why. Joely half the time wants to know who the heck does this guy think he is talking to her like that and the other half wondering why bother, what's left for her?
He doesn't tell her right away just how he knows what she is going through and where his "wisdom" comes from. He too has kept his missing limb a secret from most people...doesn't want the pity or worse, revulsion he has seen in the eyes of others when they "get a load of his stump". But when Joely finds out about it....yup, it's emotional to say the least.
Now Alec starts getting ghosts of his past catching up with him. His good buddy and ex-rodeo buddy Vince connects with him to tell him of his acquiring the one bronc Alec could never master and referring to some tequila fueled silly bet made a long, long time ago. Joely and Alec fight a lot over this...why is it she has to face her past and yet he won't?
As with every romance we get our mending of broken hearts, broken families and broken dreams. Joely learns to stand on her own two feet, figuratively and literally, while Alec learns what trust is really about and how great forgiveness can be.
Not sure who the next story is about or when it's coming out so we'll just wait and see.
February 6, 2016
This was more than I had anticipated and it is not the easiest to put into words.
It would have been easy to look at this as being just people finding their way to their happy ever after but in doing that I would have missed the point of the story completely.
This was a voyage of discovery, this was a long hard look at the internal struggles that the main characters had to deal with before they would be able to even contemplate moving forward.
It is about solving and resolving the troubles that they have encountered and learning to give their hearts time to heal before they can even contemplate a relationship that could work on any level.
Alec and Joelly, didn’t exactly get off to the most auspicious start when they first met, they seemed to rub each other up the wrong way but I think that, that was more as a result of the fact that neither of them were in a particularly happy place.
Joelly was really struggling to get a handle on how she was feeling about her disability and she wasn’t doing a particularly good job about keeping her motivation high, she was wallowing so to speak and that is not a term that I like to use, she had a right to feel the way she did, her situation was far from easy but her self-pity was not her best feature but it was the wall that Alec met first.
Alec didn’t want her to see her disability as the limitation that she did, he wanted her to see that it didn’t define her.
Yes, it was an obstacle that she needed to overcome, but it was not one that she needed to allow to beat her down. But despite his words, Joelly was struggling.
Alec was a tough taskmaster in some respects and at times I thought his words were exceptionally harsh but he needed her to fight and to that end he pushed her all the way. He had enough on his plate battling his own demons but his situation with Joelly provided a distraction from all of that and gave him breathing space from his own angst.
The book was very well written, wonderfully descriptive and very poignant. It has a moral undertone that showed beautifully that sometimes you have to fight yourself to be able to learn to love life, in whatever guise your happiness takes on.
The book was littered with humour but moreover it also reduced me to tears on more than one occasion.
I will enjoy reading this again, of that I have no doubt.
It would have been easy to look at this as being just people finding their way to their happy ever after but in doing that I would have missed the point of the story completely.
This was a voyage of discovery, this was a long hard look at the internal struggles that the main characters had to deal with before they would be able to even contemplate moving forward.
It is about solving and resolving the troubles that they have encountered and learning to give their hearts time to heal before they can even contemplate a relationship that could work on any level.
Alec and Joelly, didn’t exactly get off to the most auspicious start when they first met, they seemed to rub each other up the wrong way but I think that, that was more as a result of the fact that neither of them were in a particularly happy place.
Joelly was really struggling to get a handle on how she was feeling about her disability and she wasn’t doing a particularly good job about keeping her motivation high, she was wallowing so to speak and that is not a term that I like to use, she had a right to feel the way she did, her situation was far from easy but her self-pity was not her best feature but it was the wall that Alec met first.
Alec didn’t want her to see her disability as the limitation that she did, he wanted her to see that it didn’t define her.
Yes, it was an obstacle that she needed to overcome, but it was not one that she needed to allow to beat her down. But despite his words, Joelly was struggling.
Alec was a tough taskmaster in some respects and at times I thought his words were exceptionally harsh but he needed her to fight and to that end he pushed her all the way. He had enough on his plate battling his own demons but his situation with Joelly provided a distraction from all of that and gave him breathing space from his own angst.
The book was very well written, wonderfully descriptive and very poignant. It has a moral undertone that showed beautifully that sometimes you have to fight yourself to be able to learn to love life, in whatever guise your happiness takes on.
The book was littered with humour but moreover it also reduced me to tears on more than one occasion.
I will enjoy reading this again, of that I have no doubt.
February 11, 2016
This was first experience with Lizbeth Selvig, and I'll say that it won't be my last - I'm definitely going to pick up the first two in the Seven Brides for Seven Cowboys series.
While I generally do not read cowboy/Western romance, I'm a sucker for a wounded Hero/heroine, and when the author added in the military component? SOLD!
Joely is the middle child, the one that (almost) everyone likes, the one that should get married and not worry her pretty little head about pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. When she gets into a terrible car accident while driving back home to Wyoming, fleeing a failed marriage and a philandering husband, she's left at a loss.
When Joely encounters Alec at her sisters' double wedding, he infuriates her with his arrogance and flirting. She initially thinks he pities her, but it soon becomes apparent that Alec has actually been exactly where Joely is, that he is truly empathetic, but not necessarily sympathetic. Because Alec has his own demons, his own scars, and his own handicaps, he is the perfect choice for getting Joely out of her rut and back in the saddle, both literally and figuratively. And by helping Joely heal, Alec, in turn, recognizes and resolves his own issues.
There were times that I wanted to shake some sense into both of them, but I'll admit that I teared up and cheered for both as well. This is a very sweet book, with just enough spice to keep things hot.
I also enjoyed the interactions with the sisters and their husbands and all the extended Crockett clan, as well as the glimpse into life on Paradise Ranch, and definitely want to read the older sisters' stories that are included in the first two installments of the series.
The story is fairly evenly paced, but at one point I did wonder what they were going to do for another hundred pages. That situation resolved itself quickly and I back into the story. The author introduces some characters and events into the story that don't quite fit, but I am hoping that she is laying the foundation for building on those elements in future installments.
I recommend The Bride Wore Starlight for readers who love cowboys, healing hearts, and sweet romance that is just a little bit different from the usual.
**This ARC was provided via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.**
While I generally do not read cowboy/Western romance, I'm a sucker for a wounded Hero/heroine, and when the author added in the military component? SOLD!
Joely is the middle child, the one that (almost) everyone likes, the one that should get married and not worry her pretty little head about pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. When she gets into a terrible car accident while driving back home to Wyoming, fleeing a failed marriage and a philandering husband, she's left at a loss.
When Joely encounters Alec at her sisters' double wedding, he infuriates her with his arrogance and flirting. She initially thinks he pities her, but it soon becomes apparent that Alec has actually been exactly where Joely is, that he is truly empathetic, but not necessarily sympathetic. Because Alec has his own demons, his own scars, and his own handicaps, he is the perfect choice for getting Joely out of her rut and back in the saddle, both literally and figuratively. And by helping Joely heal, Alec, in turn, recognizes and resolves his own issues.
There were times that I wanted to shake some sense into both of them, but I'll admit that I teared up and cheered for both as well. This is a very sweet book, with just enough spice to keep things hot.
I also enjoyed the interactions with the sisters and their husbands and all the extended Crockett clan, as well as the glimpse into life on Paradise Ranch, and definitely want to read the older sisters' stories that are included in the first two installments of the series.
The story is fairly evenly paced, but at one point I did wonder what they were going to do for another hundred pages. That situation resolved itself quickly and I back into the story. The author introduces some characters and events into the story that don't quite fit, but I am hoping that she is laying the foundation for building on those elements in future installments.
I recommend The Bride Wore Starlight for readers who love cowboys, healing hearts, and sweet romance that is just a little bit different from the usual.
**This ARC was provided via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.**
February 25, 2016
Emotional, funny and wonderful!
I LOVED this sweet romance that managed to be snarky, funny, cranky, romantic, emotional… and absolutely wonderful!
Joely Crockett continues to recover physically and emotionally from a life-changing accident that devastated her body as well as her soul. Alec Morrissey knows all about starting over as he grieves the changes in his own life. When the two meet at Joely’s sisters’ wedding, the sparks fly immediately. Alec recognizes a bit of himself in Joely, her emotions and actions similar to when he himself was starting his own journey back to life. That doesn’t mean he mollycoddles her though, far from it. He calls her on every self-defeating misstep she takes, encouraging her to remove the word “can’t” from her vocabulary. Instead, he replaces it with practical advice, hilarious conversations and the emotional and physical support she needs.
“You and I have the most ridiculous conversations. I don’t think they even are conversations. They’re more like little mini visits to the principal’s office.”
This sweet romance tugged at my heart from the start with family and friends rallying around Joely. Well, as much as she would let them. While she didn’t want to depend on her family she also didn’t have the confidence to stand on her own. Joely was a wonderful mix of pampered (though not spoiled) ex-beauty queen with a love of animals and family. Her quick wit and sarcastic humour was a great match for Alec’s own ability to make her (and me) laugh out loud, a lot! Alex was a wounded veteran, strong and protective while nursing his own wounds, both visible and hidden. He seemed to know the right thing to say and do to encourage Joely’s self-confidence to grow – even if she didn’t appreciate the attempt at times. Little did he know that by helping her, she was going to turn the tables and end up being his biggest supporter…
“I will try to be more like you.”…
“”Oh, honey, don’t do that. Be more like you.”
A funny, emotional and uplifting journey from start to finish. This is the first book I’ve read in the series but I definitely have to read more about the Crockett sisters and their cowboys!
February 6, 2016
This was one of the most inspiring stories that I have read in a very long time. Both of the main characters are disabled and learn to find their way back to what they love doing by relying on each other. I got lost in this story and did not want it to end. Alec was a lovely cowboy that was not afraid to speak his mind and Joely is a young lady that is used to being in the spotlight, but now does anything and everything she can to stay out of it.
Joely is a former rodeo queen that has been dealt a bad hand in life. She had an accident that left her with many emotional and physical scars that she has not gotten over yet. Joely is hesitant as to what everyone will think about her when she wheels herself down the aisle at her sisters double wedding. When Joely is waiting for her family to finish last minute preparations for the wedding, she meets Alec and she know immediately who he is. Alec was a famous bareback rider in the rodeo years ago. Alec is nothing but a gentleman and has never lost his manners. I loved how these two immediately hit it off, even thought they did not know each other previously.
Alec is suffering from his own scars. He was left without one of his legs when he was involved in an accident overseas while serving in the military. Alec has been able to move on a little more than Joely has. He is in a better place of acceptance, even though by no means has he forgotten what all he has gone through. Alec is determined to help Joely and she is not so sure about that. Joely had no idea that Alec had lost his leg but can relate to him so well once they start talking about everything.
You get lost in this story and are captured by the journey of Alec and Joely to conquer some of their fears that they still have after their accidents. I have to say that there was never a down moment in the story line for me, everything just flowed so freely and kept moving. I was sad to see this story come to an end. You need to read this one to see what happens to Alec and Joely. Do they let their pasts ruin them and their chance at love or do they conquer their fears and learn to depend on each other for everything? Such a great read!
Joely is a former rodeo queen that has been dealt a bad hand in life. She had an accident that left her with many emotional and physical scars that she has not gotten over yet. Joely is hesitant as to what everyone will think about her when she wheels herself down the aisle at her sisters double wedding. When Joely is waiting for her family to finish last minute preparations for the wedding, she meets Alec and she know immediately who he is. Alec was a famous bareback rider in the rodeo years ago. Alec is nothing but a gentleman and has never lost his manners. I loved how these two immediately hit it off, even thought they did not know each other previously.
Alec is suffering from his own scars. He was left without one of his legs when he was involved in an accident overseas while serving in the military. Alec has been able to move on a little more than Joely has. He is in a better place of acceptance, even though by no means has he forgotten what all he has gone through. Alec is determined to help Joely and she is not so sure about that. Joely had no idea that Alec had lost his leg but can relate to him so well once they start talking about everything.
You get lost in this story and are captured by the journey of Alec and Joely to conquer some of their fears that they still have after their accidents. I have to say that there was never a down moment in the story line for me, everything just flowed so freely and kept moving. I was sad to see this story come to an end. You need to read this one to see what happens to Alec and Joely. Do they let their pasts ruin them and their chance at love or do they conquer their fears and learn to depend on each other for everything? Such a great read!
February 18, 2016
As posted on The Smutty Kitty reviewed by KittyKelly
3.5 out of 5 Licks
As you may have noticed I've been NIA for a while. In that time I've probably only read about 2 books (sad I know). So when the tour option showed up in my inbox for this one it sounds like a nice read to get me back into the swing of things. This is my first book by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect, but the blurb sounded intriguing enough so I dove right in. This book is book 3 in a continuing series the author is writing about a family all finding their loves, but I didn't feel lost. We start with a double wedding for two of Joely's sisters. Joely is recovering from a horrific accident and is still obviously struggling with her recovering body and a bit of depression/anger about her new circumstances. Alec has been through loss himself. About 3 years prior to meeting Joely he lost part of his leg. Alec gives her some tough love at the wedding and for a time Joely finds herself actually having a good time again.
Overall I did enjoy this book enough to want to read the first two and continue on with the rest of the series once those books release. This is more on the sweet side of romance. There are a few make-out sessions and a love scene that isn't described in too much detail, but it is still there so the door isn't slammed in your face when you get to it. ;) A few times the story dragged a bit and it felt like the author was trying to pad the pages but it didn't take long for the story to pick back up and start swinging again. Toward the end of the book I found myself doing some pretty serious crying but it was a good kind of crying. Alec finally gets the closure he needs on some issues from the past and Joely is moving on too. The author even provides us with one of my favorite things in the world-an epilogue. I was grinning from ear to ear while reading it and it sums the book up quite nicely.
All in all this was a fun read with a bit of sadness thrown in to keep you interested in how they could possibly work through all the things swimming in both Alec and Joely's past.
3.5 out of 5 Licks
As you may have noticed I've been NIA for a while. In that time I've probably only read about 2 books (sad I know). So when the tour option showed up in my inbox for this one it sounds like a nice read to get me back into the swing of things. This is my first book by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect, but the blurb sounded intriguing enough so I dove right in. This book is book 3 in a continuing series the author is writing about a family all finding their loves, but I didn't feel lost. We start with a double wedding for two of Joely's sisters. Joely is recovering from a horrific accident and is still obviously struggling with her recovering body and a bit of depression/anger about her new circumstances. Alec has been through loss himself. About 3 years prior to meeting Joely he lost part of his leg. Alec gives her some tough love at the wedding and for a time Joely finds herself actually having a good time again.
Overall I did enjoy this book enough to want to read the first two and continue on with the rest of the series once those books release. This is more on the sweet side of romance. There are a few make-out sessions and a love scene that isn't described in too much detail, but it is still there so the door isn't slammed in your face when you get to it. ;) A few times the story dragged a bit and it felt like the author was trying to pad the pages but it didn't take long for the story to pick back up and start swinging again. Toward the end of the book I found myself doing some pretty serious crying but it was a good kind of crying. Alec finally gets the closure he needs on some issues from the past and Joely is moving on too. The author even provides us with one of my favorite things in the world-an epilogue. I was grinning from ear to ear while reading it and it sums the book up quite nicely.
All in all this was a fun read with a bit of sadness thrown in to keep you interested in how they could possibly work through all the things swimming in both Alec and Joely's past.
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February 11, 2016The Bride Wore Starlight is so much more than it appears to be from the outside. I might have gone into this with a preconceived notion about what to expect. I was planning on a light, fluffy, quick-read romance. What I found instead was a deeply rich, character driven, tension-filled, emotional read that was intensely satisfying.
Joely and Alec are both physically damaged, rocked by massive bodily injuries in the prime of their lives. Alec has a head start on the physical and emotional healing. When he meets Joely, he sees in her a suffering, kindred spirit who needs a kick in the pants to get out of her own head. As Joely accepts the healing guidance of Alec, she recognizes that there are still issues he has to tackle as well. What unfolds is a powerful story of trans-formative love. The love Alec and Joely create heals them both physically and emotionally.
There's a fantastic HEA with a delicious epilogue. I was timid about the country/cowboy angle of the story. I grew up (and still live) in Nebraska. Though I was a 'city kid,' I've had many rodeo and ranch experiences. I wasn't sure what I would think of the cowboy genre. I was pleasantly surprised. This book is well done. If you have ever entertained thoughts of a rugged, sexy as sin, cocky cowboy - this book will bring that to life in spades! (I mentally cast Scott Eastwood in the role of Alec!)
Joely transforms from a damaged, self-pitying, lost girl. As Alec helps Joely to heal and rebuild, he breaks down his own walls and overcomes his own fears. There are inherent tensions as they each conquer their own demons and learn to trust each other. The journey is inspiring and fulfilling. The Bride Wore Starlight delivers a super sexy, heartwarming romance for two characters who desperately deserve a happily ever after.
An advance copy of this book was received in exchange for an honest review. BFF Book Blog uses an additional set of icon ratings. The Bride Wore Starlight received additional ratings for: butterflies, happily ever after, hero, heroine, romance and tension.
Joely and Alec are both physically damaged, rocked by massive bodily injuries in the prime of their lives. Alec has a head start on the physical and emotional healing. When he meets Joely, he sees in her a suffering, kindred spirit who needs a kick in the pants to get out of her own head. As Joely accepts the healing guidance of Alec, she recognizes that there are still issues he has to tackle as well. What unfolds is a powerful story of trans-formative love. The love Alec and Joely create heals them both physically and emotionally.
There's a fantastic HEA with a delicious epilogue. I was timid about the country/cowboy angle of the story. I grew up (and still live) in Nebraska. Though I was a 'city kid,' I've had many rodeo and ranch experiences. I wasn't sure what I would think of the cowboy genre. I was pleasantly surprised. This book is well done. If you have ever entertained thoughts of a rugged, sexy as sin, cocky cowboy - this book will bring that to life in spades! (I mentally cast Scott Eastwood in the role of Alec!)
Joely transforms from a damaged, self-pitying, lost girl. As Alec helps Joely to heal and rebuild, he breaks down his own walls and overcomes his own fears. There are inherent tensions as they each conquer their own demons and learn to trust each other. The journey is inspiring and fulfilling. The Bride Wore Starlight delivers a super sexy, heartwarming romance for two characters who desperately deserve a happily ever after.
An advance copy of this book was received in exchange for an honest review. BFF Book Blog uses an additional set of icon ratings. The Bride Wore Starlight received additional ratings for: butterflies, happily ever after, hero, heroine, romance and tension.
February 11, 2016
If you're reading this review you've, more than likely, read the synopsis. So, instead of talking about what you already know I'm going to tell you what this book did for me.
I read contemporary romance for a few hours of light entertainment. While The Bride Wore Starlight not only entertained, it had me questioning my interactions with people. Throughout the book I was shown the difference between a person's intentions and how they were perceived by the person they were interacting with. I began to question myself. Are my intentions when trying to help someone as clear to them as they are to me? By the end of Starlight I had vowed to be sure to be only as helpful as someone asked me to be and clear on what that help entailed. Not often, if ever, have I had a contemporary romance book not only entertain, but make me try to be a better person too.
All of these internal feelings and thoughts were brought about by supremely written Joely and Alec, the heroine and hero. Both wounded physically and emotionally, they played off of each other in such a way that what could have been tragic instead became strength. Snarky dialogue, dares and supportive bodies and minds made for a beautiful, if emotional, growing love story. While the other two Seven Brides series books had a major element of family, Joely's and Alec's story was so dependent on their interactions that family was important, but not vital. I became teary eyed at times, smiling at others, always engaged while reading The Bride Wore Starlight.
The story of Joely and Alec kept me hooked to the point of enjoying their budding romance until I finished it. I saw and felt their emotions and thoughts in ways I never have with written characters. That's when I became questioning of my own actions and wanting to do, be, better at giving only what others want, not what I believe they need. The signs of a great book that will stay with me far longer than any other I've read.
I read contemporary romance for a few hours of light entertainment. While The Bride Wore Starlight not only entertained, it had me questioning my interactions with people. Throughout the book I was shown the difference between a person's intentions and how they were perceived by the person they were interacting with. I began to question myself. Are my intentions when trying to help someone as clear to them as they are to me? By the end of Starlight I had vowed to be sure to be only as helpful as someone asked me to be and clear on what that help entailed. Not often, if ever, have I had a contemporary romance book not only entertain, but make me try to be a better person too.
All of these internal feelings and thoughts were brought about by supremely written Joely and Alec, the heroine and hero. Both wounded physically and emotionally, they played off of each other in such a way that what could have been tragic instead became strength. Snarky dialogue, dares and supportive bodies and minds made for a beautiful, if emotional, growing love story. While the other two Seven Brides series books had a major element of family, Joely's and Alec's story was so dependent on their interactions that family was important, but not vital. I became teary eyed at times, smiling at others, always engaged while reading The Bride Wore Starlight.
The story of Joely and Alec kept me hooked to the point of enjoying their budding romance until I finished it. I saw and felt their emotions and thoughts in ways I never have with written characters. That's when I became questioning of my own actions and wanting to do, be, better at giving only what others want, not what I believe they need. The signs of a great book that will stay with me far longer than any other I've read.
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