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A review by loverofromance
To Have and to Hold by Leigh Greenwood
4.0
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Colby, one of the three blaine brothers that were separated when they were children when their parents died. Left his family at fifteen, being tired of being abused both physically and emotionally. He knows the territory like the back of his hand, has worked odd jobs over the years but nothing would prepare him for the challenge of Naomi Kessling and the small band of wagons that get attacked by Indians. Without a though, he rushes in to aid them from getting slaughtered by the Cherokees. Naomi, along side with her father and her two brothers are heading to Santa Fe when the worst happened in their town and they were forced to leave. Naomi knows everyone is keeping something from her, but she doesn't know exactly what. She knows it is horrible when her nightmares are about blood and death. When she meets Colby, she is intrigued and fascinated. Even though she doesn't trust him at all she senses something honorable and loyal about him. When Colby and Naomi are tested, their love blossoms despite the dangers of traveling west....a fierce passion forms wild and untamed as the land they travel.
To Have and To Hold is the first of the Cactus Creek Cowboy Series. So far there are three books, and after listening to this one I wouldn't mind this author doing more books!! I was able to grab this through audiobook and I loved every moment. There was so much in this story that kept me highly entertained and active in the listening of it. I love westerns, I have a weakness for those cowboys but its not very often to see a historical that is western of recent release so I snatched this one up!! Leigh Greenwood is a fabulous author and is a male romance writer!! I know ladies not very common...but he is dang good at what he does. He writes a solid romance in the way I wish every historical romance could be written. With historic accuracy, vivid details and a romance that makes you yearn for more!!
I only had one issue with this book which is why it isn't a five-star rating!! Its the heroine in the beginning of the story. Now overall Naomi isn't a bad heroine, she has many fabulous qualities that I came to really admire about her. But she is a bit self-righteous at first especially when it comes to Colby. She thinks he is suspicious, doesn't trust him and isn't private about her dislike. She softens toward him once he sets her straight (GO COLBY) But honestly she drove me nuts at first. But I warmed up to her, and it isn't until her past is revealed that you see that she just doesn't trust anyone she doesn't know but she also isn't timid about it. Her character is in no way timid or shy. She is bold and daring and likes to take control of situations. I felt a kinship to her in a way because she is the oldest and so am i....and I see how she had to be like that....any one that was born being the oldest knows what it is like to have hardly any childhood and to be an adult pretty quickly. I love how willing she is to take care of her family but at the same time she isn't afraid to state her opinions. Colby was a fabulous hero, he has been dealt some harshness in his life but he also has taken control of his life and does what is right. So Colby and Naomi are very much alike....probably why they butted heads so much. But once they started the kisses....watch out folks!!
The romance once it got going was strong yet sweet. It was quite fun seeing their relationship blossom into something more than just passing friends,...they overcome trials together and in so doing embrace what they have. This was a very heartwarming and inspiring romance that kept me laughing all the way through!!
This narrator was someone I hadn't listened to before and I LOVED her work...she did so well and instantly she drew me slowly into the story until I couldn't put it down!!! Loved every delicious moment listening to her and I am eager for more.
I love this cover, because of how well if portrays out hero Colby. It shows him being a bit of a loner and independent...only him and his horse. I love the gorgeous backdrop with the sunrise.
To Have And To Hold is a sexy and beautifully woven love story in the wild west....with enough desire, thrilling danger, and in depth characters to keep you satisfied for days!!
[foogallery id="17767"]
Summary
Colby, one of the three blaine brothers that were separated when they were children when their parents died. Left his family at fifteen, being tired of being abused both physically and emotionally. He knows the territory like the back of his hand, has worked odd jobs over the years but nothing would prepare him for the challenge of Naomi Kessling and the small band of wagons that get attacked by Indians. Without a though, he rushes in to aid them from getting slaughtered by the Cherokees. Naomi, along side with her father and her two brothers are heading to Santa Fe when the worst happened in their town and they were forced to leave. Naomi knows everyone is keeping something from her, but she doesn't know exactly what. She knows it is horrible when her nightmares are about blood and death. When she meets Colby, she is intrigued and fascinated. Even though she doesn't trust him at all she senses something honorable and loyal about him. When Colby and Naomi are tested, their love blossoms despite the dangers of traveling west....a fierce passion forms wild and untamed as the land they travel.
Plot and Story Line
To Have and To Hold is the first of the Cactus Creek Cowboy Series. So far there are three books, and after listening to this one I wouldn't mind this author doing more books!! I was able to grab this through audiobook and I loved every moment. There was so much in this story that kept me highly entertained and active in the listening of it. I love westerns, I have a weakness for those cowboys but its not very often to see a historical that is western of recent release so I snatched this one up!! Leigh Greenwood is a fabulous author and is a male romance writer!! I know ladies not very common...but he is dang good at what he does. He writes a solid romance in the way I wish every historical romance could be written. With historic accuracy, vivid details and a romance that makes you yearn for more!!
I only had one issue with this book which is why it isn't a five-star rating!! Its the heroine in the beginning of the story. Now overall Naomi isn't a bad heroine, she has many fabulous qualities that I came to really admire about her. But she is a bit self-righteous at first especially when it comes to Colby. She thinks he is suspicious, doesn't trust him and isn't private about her dislike. She softens toward him once he sets her straight (GO COLBY) But honestly she drove me nuts at first. But I warmed up to her, and it isn't until her past is revealed that you see that she just doesn't trust anyone she doesn't know but she also isn't timid about it. Her character is in no way timid or shy. She is bold and daring and likes to take control of situations. I felt a kinship to her in a way because she is the oldest and so am i....and I see how she had to be like that....any one that was born being the oldest knows what it is like to have hardly any childhood and to be an adult pretty quickly. I love how willing she is to take care of her family but at the same time she isn't afraid to state her opinions. Colby was a fabulous hero, he has been dealt some harshness in his life but he also has taken control of his life and does what is right. So Colby and Naomi are very much alike....probably why they butted heads so much. But once they started the kisses....watch out folks!!
The romance once it got going was strong yet sweet. It was quite fun seeing their relationship blossom into something more than just passing friends,...they overcome trials together and in so doing embrace what they have. This was a very heartwarming and inspiring romance that kept me laughing all the way through!!
Narration
This narrator was someone I hadn't listened to before and I LOVED her work...she did so well and instantly she drew me slowly into the story until I couldn't put it down!!! Loved every delicious moment listening to her and I am eager for more.
The Cover
I love this cover, because of how well if portrays out hero Colby. It shows him being a bit of a loner and independent...only him and his horse. I love the gorgeous backdrop with the sunrise.
Overall View
To Have And To Hold is a sexy and beautifully woven love story in the wild west....with enough desire, thrilling danger, and in depth characters to keep you satisfied for days!!
[foogallery id="17767"]