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Red River Valley #4
It's In His Arms
Lorenda Lawson has built a safe, sheltered life for her two young sons since their father was KIA several years ago. She has a beautiful cottage and a support network of family and friends. No one in Red River suspects that her marriage to Cam was ever less than perfect. Nobody, that is, except the gorgeous ex-SEAL who’s shown up after a long Cam’s notorious twin brother, Mitchell.
Mitchell Lawson was a teenage rebel who fled Red River after the local watering hole burned down, choosing the military over jail. Now he has a new making amends with the town and his sheriff father for his hell-raising days, while resisting the woman he’s always wanted. Between Lorenda’s warmth and sensuality and her boys’ mischievous matchmaking ploys, it won’t be easy.
When a string of fires breaks out, suspicious eyes turn toward Mitchell. Lorenda risks her reputation for his sake—but she’ll need to risk her heart, too, to bring this onetime bad boy home for good.
Mitchell Lawson was a teenage rebel who fled Red River after the local watering hole burned down, choosing the military over jail. Now he has a new making amends with the town and his sheriff father for his hell-raising days, while resisting the woman he’s always wanted. Between Lorenda’s warmth and sensuality and her boys’ mischievous matchmaking ploys, it won’t be easy.
When a string of fires breaks out, suspicious eyes turn toward Mitchell. Lorenda risks her reputation for his sake—but she’ll need to risk her heart, too, to bring this onetime bad boy home for good.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2017
517 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Alexander
19 books373 followersShelly Alexander was a 2014 Golden Heart® finalist, a 2019 RITA® finalist, and an Amazon #1 Bestseller in several categories.
Shelly grew up traveling the world, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and worked in the business world for twenty-five years. With four older brothers, she watched every Star Trek episode ever made, joined the softball team instead of ballet class, and played with G.I. Joes while the Barbie Corvette stayed tucked in the closet. When she had three sons of her own, she decided to escape her male-dominated world by reading romance novels and has been hooked ever since. Now, she spends her days writing steamy contemporary romances while tending to, two tiny toy poodles named Mozart and Midge (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel).
Shelly grew up traveling the world, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and worked in the business world for twenty-five years. With four older brothers, she watched every Star Trek episode ever made, joined the softball team instead of ballet class, and played with G.I. Joes while the Barbie Corvette stayed tucked in the closet. When she had three sons of her own, she decided to escape her male-dominated world by reading romance novels and has been hooked ever since. Now, she spends her days writing steamy contemporary romances while tending to, two tiny toy poodles named Mozart and Midge (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
December 12, 2016
She kept her husband’s memory untarnished, no matter that the Cam she knew wasn’t the hometown hero Red River honored him as. Killed in action, Cam was a soldier through and through, life as a husband and father was an inconvenience, he would rather feed his adrenaline junkie soul than be the man the world believed him to be and Lorenda was too kind-hearted to hurt those who believed in the fantasy of who they wanted Cam to be. Lorenda could live the lie, being the only one in town who knew the truth, until he showed up, like a dark angel in a den of vipers.
Mitchell was Cam’s twin, the rebel, the troublemaker, the one who didn’t care about anyone but himself, the dark to Cam’s light and now, after years, he is back. He fled Red River when he was accused of arson, his choice being jail or the military. Now his years of battling the enemy as well as his inner demons are over, and he has come back to the town who saw him only as an unredeemable bad seed, especially the Sheriff, who happened to be his father. He also knows the real Cam, no that he intended to tell anyone, besides, who would believe him?
He is a man on a mission, a man hoping to redeem himself by making amends for his youth, but can he take being around the only woman he ever loved? Lorenda fell for his brother and the town wouldn’t look too kindly on him for going after what his heart craves, but two pint-sized cupids are scheming to bring these two together against all odds. Too bad someone hiding in the shadows has other plans.
Can Mitchell mend the pain of the past with his father? To uncover the long held lies would surely finish any chance for reconciliation and destroy Lorenda’s relationship with the town. Whoever said ‘all you need is love,’ must not have known the people of Red River’s unforgiving hearts.
Truly a love story filled with seemingly insurmountable odds, IT’S IN HIS ARMS by Shelly Alexander is as frustrating as it is simply beautiful. In a small town, where one brother was seen as the golden boy and one as the black sheep, secrets were kept as one brother shelters the other out of love and loyalty while being thrown to the wolves by his twin. Ms Alexander dealt with some hot topics and handled them with all of the grace that only a talented author can do. From the unwelcome bad boy coming home to the romance between the widowed sister-in-law, there is enough to wrench at any reader’s heart. This romance is sweet, it is revealing in more ways than one and it includes a past that may not be overcome. High tension, heartbreaking family feuds and the hope for forgiveness, along with Ms. Alexander’s endearing characters make this the perfect read for any romance lover who dreams of heroes and heroines seeking a happy ever after against all odds.
I received an ARC edition from Montlake Romance in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Red River Valley - Book 4 (Standalone)
Publisher: Montlake Romance (January 3, 2017)
Publication Date: January 3, 2017
ISBN: 1503940748
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 318 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Mitchell was Cam’s twin, the rebel, the troublemaker, the one who didn’t care about anyone but himself, the dark to Cam’s light and now, after years, he is back. He fled Red River when he was accused of arson, his choice being jail or the military. Now his years of battling the enemy as well as his inner demons are over, and he has come back to the town who saw him only as an unredeemable bad seed, especially the Sheriff, who happened to be his father. He also knows the real Cam, no that he intended to tell anyone, besides, who would believe him?
He is a man on a mission, a man hoping to redeem himself by making amends for his youth, but can he take being around the only woman he ever loved? Lorenda fell for his brother and the town wouldn’t look too kindly on him for going after what his heart craves, but two pint-sized cupids are scheming to bring these two together against all odds. Too bad someone hiding in the shadows has other plans.
Can Mitchell mend the pain of the past with his father? To uncover the long held lies would surely finish any chance for reconciliation and destroy Lorenda’s relationship with the town. Whoever said ‘all you need is love,’ must not have known the people of Red River’s unforgiving hearts.
Truly a love story filled with seemingly insurmountable odds, IT’S IN HIS ARMS by Shelly Alexander is as frustrating as it is simply beautiful. In a small town, where one brother was seen as the golden boy and one as the black sheep, secrets were kept as one brother shelters the other out of love and loyalty while being thrown to the wolves by his twin. Ms Alexander dealt with some hot topics and handled them with all of the grace that only a talented author can do. From the unwelcome bad boy coming home to the romance between the widowed sister-in-law, there is enough to wrench at any reader’s heart. This romance is sweet, it is revealing in more ways than one and it includes a past that may not be overcome. High tension, heartbreaking family feuds and the hope for forgiveness, along with Ms. Alexander’s endearing characters make this the perfect read for any romance lover who dreams of heroes and heroines seeking a happy ever after against all odds.
I received an ARC edition from Montlake Romance in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Red River Valley - Book 4 (Standalone)
Publisher: Montlake Romance (January 3, 2017)
Publication Date: January 3, 2017
ISBN: 1503940748
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 318 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 4, 2017
Crazy..
Personally, I thought this book was rather silly. Mitch was disliked by the whole town because of crap they thought he did when he was a kid, and now he’s a 30-something year old war hero? Seriously? Mitch had grown up so I thought it was time for the town to grow up, too. And his father is an absolute dick! Love his mom, though, Badass Becky. The book would have been a little better if it hadn’t gone on and on about the things he did as a kid. The things he did to try to make amends for what he did in his youth was just what you’d have him doing IN his youth, not as a grown man: Washing windows? Stocking shelves? Mowing lawns? Silly! Silly! Silly!!
And every time Lorenda said crap like “I’m a grown woman, Mitchell,” or “I can take care of myself,” I just wanted the bad guy to kidnap her and scare the hell out of her. She kept arguing with Mitch when he’d say something about the bad guy and she kept making excuses for the little weasel. Don’t authors know that readers are done with heroines that constantly say “I can take care of myself,” and think they are so tough while we just wait for her to be taken by the bad guy because she’s done something that makes her TSTL? Unfortunately the bad guy didn’t take her but I was hoping.
Ya’ know, I like sexual tension in my books but not on every single page, not when the couple act like they’re brain-dead in front of anyone and everyone, like they’re the only two on earth then they realize they aren’t when they’re caught getting down-and-almost dirty in front of her kids. There are several authors that I won’t read anymore because they insist on having the woman “scream” his name during sex. That has to be one of the silliest things I’ve ever read. It’s right up there with them kissing and he feels the need to grab her ass. NOT romantic at all. So, another author bites the dust.
As to the narration: The only reason I took a chance on Cris Dukehart was because her narration was from 2017, otherwise I wouldn’t have. I’ve listened to Cris Dukehart a few times (Melinda Leigh's Scarlet falls series) and all her men sounded just like girls. I'd hoped she had practiced and had gotten better. Well, her men sounded a tiny-bit better but not much. After 3 or 4 chances I’m definitely giving up on her. I can only have so many books ruined because of the narrator then I have to quit. She should listen to Katherine Kellgren or Tanya Eby or Amy McFadden or Mary Jane Wells, and she might learn something about great narration. Just sayin'
Personally, I thought this book was rather silly. Mitch was disliked by the whole town because of crap they thought he did when he was a kid, and now he’s a 30-something year old war hero? Seriously? Mitch had grown up so I thought it was time for the town to grow up, too. And his father is an absolute dick! Love his mom, though, Badass Becky. The book would have been a little better if it hadn’t gone on and on about the things he did as a kid. The things he did to try to make amends for what he did in his youth was just what you’d have him doing IN his youth, not as a grown man: Washing windows? Stocking shelves? Mowing lawns? Silly! Silly! Silly!!
And every time Lorenda said crap like “I’m a grown woman, Mitchell,” or “I can take care of myself,” I just wanted the bad guy to kidnap her and scare the hell out of her. She kept arguing with Mitch when he’d say something about the bad guy and she kept making excuses for the little weasel. Don’t authors know that readers are done with heroines that constantly say “I can take care of myself,” and think they are so tough while we just wait for her to be taken by the bad guy because she’s done something that makes her TSTL? Unfortunately the bad guy didn’t take her but I was hoping.
Ya’ know, I like sexual tension in my books but not on every single page, not when the couple act like they’re brain-dead in front of anyone and everyone, like they’re the only two on earth then they realize they aren’t when they’re caught getting down-and-almost dirty in front of her kids. There are several authors that I won’t read anymore because they insist on having the woman “scream” his name during sex. That has to be one of the silliest things I’ve ever read. It’s right up there with them kissing and he feels the need to grab her ass. NOT romantic at all. So, another author bites the dust.
As to the narration: The only reason I took a chance on Cris Dukehart was because her narration was from 2017, otherwise I wouldn’t have. I’ve listened to Cris Dukehart a few times (Melinda Leigh's Scarlet falls series) and all her men sounded just like girls. I'd hoped she had practiced and had gotten better. Well, her men sounded a tiny-bit better but not much. After 3 or 4 chances I’m definitely giving up on her. I can only have so many books ruined because of the narrator then I have to quit. She should listen to Katherine Kellgren or Tanya Eby or Amy McFadden or Mary Jane Wells, and she might learn something about great narration. Just sayin'
January 2, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
An odd little guy with a doting mother who cut his meat for him until he was sixteen. Because kids could be mean, he’d been nicknamed Bart the Fart after an untimely sneezing attack in the midst of a full lunchtime crowd on pinto-bean day.
She… had been celibate so long that her idea of a good time was setting her cell phone to vibrate, putting it in her front pocket, and calling herself from the landline.
Maureen sat behind the reception desk wearing a red t-shirt that said, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, reload and try again.’
He took a sip of lemonade, and God in Heaven, it was laced with vodka… ‘That’s our version of afternoon delight.’ Francine smiled. ‘It’s all we have to look forward to at our age.’ Clydelle lifted her glass. ‘This and engine-washing day at the fire station during the summer. Those nice firefighters are so fit… They do take their shirts off when it’s hot.’
Forever is a long time… So let’s go home and get started on it.
My Review:
Shelly Alexander has graced us with yet another crafty, finely honed, and highly amusing addition to her Red River Valley series with It’s In His Arms. I relished this entertaining and well-written story from start to finish. Deliciously packed with family drama, clever humor, sensual steam, contemporary romance, and a dash of intrigue and suspense; this enticing tale involves an unpopular hometown boy/returning SEAL veteran who is attempting to make amends while visiting his gossipy and small-minded small town. The writing was witty, observant, relevant, heart-squeezing, smirk-inducing, and near perfection. I remained invested and engaged from page one, and sighed with contentment upon completion. However, I find I am now completely dissatisfied with my cell phone and service and have a strong desire to sign up for Lorenda’s frisky OS provider, the system I use is far too boring by comparison.
An odd little guy with a doting mother who cut his meat for him until he was sixteen. Because kids could be mean, he’d been nicknamed Bart the Fart after an untimely sneezing attack in the midst of a full lunchtime crowd on pinto-bean day.
She… had been celibate so long that her idea of a good time was setting her cell phone to vibrate, putting it in her front pocket, and calling herself from the landline.
Maureen sat behind the reception desk wearing a red t-shirt that said, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, reload and try again.’
He took a sip of lemonade, and God in Heaven, it was laced with vodka… ‘That’s our version of afternoon delight.’ Francine smiled. ‘It’s all we have to look forward to at our age.’ Clydelle lifted her glass. ‘This and engine-washing day at the fire station during the summer. Those nice firefighters are so fit… They do take their shirts off when it’s hot.’
Forever is a long time… So let’s go home and get started on it.
My Review:
Shelly Alexander has graced us with yet another crafty, finely honed, and highly amusing addition to her Red River Valley series with It’s In His Arms. I relished this entertaining and well-written story from start to finish. Deliciously packed with family drama, clever humor, sensual steam, contemporary romance, and a dash of intrigue and suspense; this enticing tale involves an unpopular hometown boy/returning SEAL veteran who is attempting to make amends while visiting his gossipy and small-minded small town. The writing was witty, observant, relevant, heart-squeezing, smirk-inducing, and near perfection. I remained invested and engaged from page one, and sighed with contentment upon completion. However, I find I am now completely dissatisfied with my cell phone and service and have a strong desire to sign up for Lorenda’s frisky OS provider, the system I use is far too boring by comparison.
July 5, 2019
Rating: 2.5/5.0
Lorenda is a widow with two children. Her late husband (Cameron) was a military man, a hero to her hometown. His twin brother (Mitchel) is despised by the town so when he returns back to the town he is faced with a lot of resistance from the town people. They have not forgave him for what they think he did. But it is a different story with Lorenda and how she feels about him.
Unfortunately the story is very generic and predictable. I was knowing what was going to happen next. The story hardly had anything new to it. Just a simple contemporary romance. The characters were not very well focused on, not even the main characters. This is book 4 in the series and I don't think you are missing anything if you read it right away as each book has a standalone story. You are not missing a lot if you have not read this book. It does not offer anything new or different than many of the books available in the same genre.
Note: I have won this book by participating in a giveaway
Lorenda is a widow with two children. Her late husband (Cameron) was a military man, a hero to her hometown. His twin brother (Mitchel) is despised by the town so when he returns back to the town he is faced with a lot of resistance from the town people. They have not forgave him for what they think he did. But it is a different story with Lorenda and how she feels about him.
Unfortunately the story is very generic and predictable. I was knowing what was going to happen next. The story hardly had anything new to it. Just a simple contemporary romance. The characters were not very well focused on, not even the main characters. This is book 4 in the series and I don't think you are missing anything if you read it right away as each book has a standalone story. You are not missing a lot if you have not read this book. It does not offer anything new or different than many of the books available in the same genre.
Note: I have won this book by participating in a giveaway
September 10, 2020
Great, fun and romantic!
January 12, 2017
Lorenda Lawson is Red River Valley's darling. Good girl, married the town's golden boy who went to war and came back in a box and she has struggled to raise his sons and build a good life form them all by herself, much to the admiration of everyone.
Mitch Lawson. Teenage hell-raiser and delinquent, who the town was glad to see the back of when he left to join the military. After staying away for so many years, he's back to repair his damaged relationship with his father and make amends to the town, as well as get to know his brother's family. But not everyone is pleased that he's back and someone is determined to drive him back out by sabotaging his efforts even before he begins.
Lorenda has had it with being left behind emotionally and physically and her growing feelings for her late husband's twin need to be nipped in the bud because he won't stay, too and she can't let her boys get attached to someone who will abandon them when the urge to wander hits him. Mitch always liked Lorenda but he stepped back when his brother staked a claim. How can he convince her to open her heart up to him when he's torn between leaving to avoid the hostility from the town and staying to keep Lorenda and the boys safe from the trouble that his return has brought them?
Right from the beginning of this book, the author found my hot button issues with small towns and then pushed them. Hard! And what could these issues be, you ask? Well, labels and close-mindedness. Good, bad, troublesome, trash, I could go on and on. Labels that define young people even after they grow beyond that stage and oftentimes, labels that are hard to get past because most people can't be bothered to expand their thinking.
Lorenda's late husband, Cameron was the good twin and he worked that label hard but a lot of the revelations show a young man who was obsessed with what people thought about him and dedicated himself to living up to those impressions, even at a cost to his twin. Mitch was branded as troublesome, which he no doubt was, but everything that went wrong became his fault and the town made no effort to see that there was more to the story because it was easier to blame him. For Lorenda, being the town sweetheart meant she was blindsided by the backlash when she stuck up for him.
In spite of my rant above, IT'S IN HIS ARMS was a very enjoyable, sweet story with romance, humor and a bit of mystery and their supportive friends were the second best part of the story for me, after Lorenda, Mitch and the boys. It's pretty obvious my sympathies lay with Mitch all the way and I liked that as the secrets came out, the town stepped up to make things right with Mitch.
This is the fourth book in the series and it would interesting to catch up on the previous books.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
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Mitch Lawson. Teenage hell-raiser and delinquent, who the town was glad to see the back of when he left to join the military. After staying away for so many years, he's back to repair his damaged relationship with his father and make amends to the town, as well as get to know his brother's family. But not everyone is pleased that he's back and someone is determined to drive him back out by sabotaging his efforts even before he begins.
Lorenda has had it with being left behind emotionally and physically and her growing feelings for her late husband's twin need to be nipped in the bud because he won't stay, too and she can't let her boys get attached to someone who will abandon them when the urge to wander hits him. Mitch always liked Lorenda but he stepped back when his brother staked a claim. How can he convince her to open her heart up to him when he's torn between leaving to avoid the hostility from the town and staying to keep Lorenda and the boys safe from the trouble that his return has brought them?
Right from the beginning of this book, the author found my hot button issues with small towns and then pushed them. Hard! And what could these issues be, you ask? Well, labels and close-mindedness. Good, bad, troublesome, trash, I could go on and on. Labels that define young people even after they grow beyond that stage and oftentimes, labels that are hard to get past because most people can't be bothered to expand their thinking.
Lorenda's late husband, Cameron was the good twin and he worked that label hard but a lot of the revelations show a young man who was obsessed with what people thought about him and dedicated himself to living up to those impressions, even at a cost to his twin. Mitch was branded as troublesome, which he no doubt was, but everything that went wrong became his fault and the town made no effort to see that there was more to the story because it was easier to blame him. For Lorenda, being the town sweetheart meant she was blindsided by the backlash when she stuck up for him.
In spite of my rant above, IT'S IN HIS ARMS was a very enjoyable, sweet story with romance, humor and a bit of mystery and their supportive friends were the second best part of the story for me, after Lorenda, Mitch and the boys. It's pretty obvious my sympathies lay with Mitch all the way and I liked that as the secrets came out, the town stepped up to make things right with Mitch.
This is the fourth book in the series and it would interesting to catch up on the previous books.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
January 12, 2019
I really liked this entire series and I liked Mitchell the best. Too bad the judgmental townspeople were ready to skewer the poor guy with their pitchforks!
I wonder what the story is with Langston?
And why did the bartender leave songwriting behind?
Hmm... Seems like there are more stories to be told in Red River. (Hint, hint, Shelly Alexander!)
I wonder what the story is with Langston?
And why did the bartender leave songwriting behind?
Hmm... Seems like there are more stories to be told in Red River. (Hint, hint, Shelly Alexander!)
December 28, 2016
Shelly Alexander has given us an emotionally charged heartwarming story of a young mother doing her best to live in the shadow of her husband's memory. The town of Red River see's Cam Mitchell as a hero. The good kid who turned into a great man. Only his widow Lorenda and his twin brother Mitchell knows the truth. Mitchell was always labeled the bad boy. Will the truth come out now that he has returned to Red River. Will the attraction that has always been there between Mitchell and Lorenda be enough to keep him there forever?
A great story and one I highly recommend.
A great story and one I highly recommend.
December 26, 2016
Shelly Alexander's Red River Series continues with It's In His Arms and can be read as a standalone apart from the others. However, I recommend reading the other books in the series too.
In this book, we meet Lorenda, who is a widow with two boys after their father (Cameron) was killed. Cameron was a SEAL along side his twin brother Mitchell. Lorenda has decided she wants nothing to do with Alpha males anymore as it been too hard to cover for Cameron not wanting to return home, before he was killed.
Mitchell, the black sheep of the family as he was the fall guy for all of Cameron's pranks as teenagers returns home to Red River to make peace with his father and the rest of the community. Mitchell is strong, but has survivor's guilt regarding Cameron's death.
Something bad is going down in Red River and it all surrounds Lorenda and her kids being targeted. Mitchell arrives in town just in time to help Lorenda, but at the same time ends up putting her in more danger.
Much to Mitchell's father dismay, Mitchell moves into Lorenda's over garage apartment to watch over her and the kids. Lorenda doesn't want to be attracted to him, but can't deny the attractions that are surfacing. Things go crazy from there as they both try to fight it, but are thrown into a situation and decisions must be made.
Can Mitchell protect Lorenda and the kids without getting involved? Who is causing all the problems and for what reason do they want to hurt or scare Lorenda?
Book 4 of Red River Series
Characters: Lorenda is strong and independent as she tries to make a life for herself and her kids. Mitchell is hot, sexy, Alpha male with a strong sense of protection, but needs to resolve the guilt of losing his twin brother.
Heat: Sizzling
Storyline: Suspenseful, passionate, sexy, excellently written and paced.
5 Koala Paws
In this book, we meet Lorenda, who is a widow with two boys after their father (Cameron) was killed. Cameron was a SEAL along side his twin brother Mitchell. Lorenda has decided she wants nothing to do with Alpha males anymore as it been too hard to cover for Cameron not wanting to return home, before he was killed.
Mitchell, the black sheep of the family as he was the fall guy for all of Cameron's pranks as teenagers returns home to Red River to make peace with his father and the rest of the community. Mitchell is strong, but has survivor's guilt regarding Cameron's death.
Something bad is going down in Red River and it all surrounds Lorenda and her kids being targeted. Mitchell arrives in town just in time to help Lorenda, but at the same time ends up putting her in more danger.
Much to Mitchell's father dismay, Mitchell moves into Lorenda's over garage apartment to watch over her and the kids. Lorenda doesn't want to be attracted to him, but can't deny the attractions that are surfacing. Things go crazy from there as they both try to fight it, but are thrown into a situation and decisions must be made.
Can Mitchell protect Lorenda and the kids without getting involved? Who is causing all the problems and for what reason do they want to hurt or scare Lorenda?
Book 4 of Red River Series
Characters: Lorenda is strong and independent as she tries to make a life for herself and her kids. Mitchell is hot, sexy, Alpha male with a strong sense of protection, but needs to resolve the guilt of losing his twin brother.
Heat: Sizzling
Storyline: Suspenseful, passionate, sexy, excellently written and paced.
5 Koala Paws
December 26, 2016
I am a huge fan of Shelly Alexander books so when I heard about Its In His Arms I was thrilled. I was lucky to get an advance copy of this book so I dived into it as soon as I possible could and I loved it.
In this book we follow Lorenda and Mitchell. Mitchell is Lorenda's brother In law so you can see how things could definitely sound complicated just hearing that when you find out that these two people are the love interests of this story. Lorenda husband passed away , he was not the best husband , but for the sake up there two boys and his parents she keeps up this facade of him being this amazing father and husband. In his youth Mitchell was a trouble maker and now that he is out of the army and back in his hometown he is trying to make up for a lot of wrongs, it is in no way an easy process but I felt it was necessary to see him do this . Lorenda was an amazing female lead she was strong , sweet , smart, a good mother and just overall good person. With Mitchell there is a lot more to him than meets the eye, to many people in this story he this a wreckless bad guy , but really he is a good guy with a heart of gold ,It made me so happy to see moments in this book were Lorenda would stand up for him. I loved the romance ,Shelly Alexander always creates these sweet , sexy , swoon worthy romances in every story she writes .
With a sexy romance ,a wonderful cast of characters , the small town setting and a plot that will have you constantly turning the pages needing to know what will happen next . Shelly Alexander creates another excellent story with Its In His Arms . I cannot wait to get my hands on what she writes next. If you love all these things in your books I suggest you get a copy when It comes out January 3,2017
In this book we follow Lorenda and Mitchell. Mitchell is Lorenda's brother In law so you can see how things could definitely sound complicated just hearing that when you find out that these two people are the love interests of this story. Lorenda husband passed away , he was not the best husband , but for the sake up there two boys and his parents she keeps up this facade of him being this amazing father and husband. In his youth Mitchell was a trouble maker and now that he is out of the army and back in his hometown he is trying to make up for a lot of wrongs, it is in no way an easy process but I felt it was necessary to see him do this . Lorenda was an amazing female lead she was strong , sweet , smart, a good mother and just overall good person. With Mitchell there is a lot more to him than meets the eye, to many people in this story he this a wreckless bad guy , but really he is a good guy with a heart of gold ,It made me so happy to see moments in this book were Lorenda would stand up for him. I loved the romance ,Shelly Alexander always creates these sweet , sexy , swoon worthy romances in every story she writes .
With a sexy romance ,a wonderful cast of characters , the small town setting and a plot that will have you constantly turning the pages needing to know what will happen next . Shelly Alexander creates another excellent story with Its In His Arms . I cannot wait to get my hands on what she writes next. If you love all these things in your books I suggest you get a copy when It comes out January 3,2017
March 1, 2017
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
I've read most of this series through either the Kindle First program or e-ARCs from Net Galley, and I've noticed that there is an "down/up" trend with this series. This was definitely one of the "up" books!
I liked Lorenda as a single mom. She was a great character just trying to get by, raising her two young sons. She was a bit flighty, but I counted that as a flaw, which made her more realistic to me. I really loved how she wanted to share her love of music with other children, and would stop at nothing to see that dream become reality.
Mitch was a great hero for Lorenda! I loved how he wanted to protect her, even going so far as martyring himself for her needs. I liked how he wanted to make amends for his bad boy past, and took the hostility of the townsfolk with relative good naturedness.
I liked the peeks back into the lives of the previous couples, and could better appreciate their roles in the tapestry of the town. The book had quite a few spots of humor in it for me as well!
All things considered, this was a good installment in the series, and would recommend it to others only if they had read the previous books of the series.
I've read most of this series through either the Kindle First program or e-ARCs from Net Galley, and I've noticed that there is an "down/up" trend with this series. This was definitely one of the "up" books!
I liked Lorenda as a single mom. She was a great character just trying to get by, raising her two young sons. She was a bit flighty, but I counted that as a flaw, which made her more realistic to me. I really loved how she wanted to share her love of music with other children, and would stop at nothing to see that dream become reality.
Mitch was a great hero for Lorenda! I loved how he wanted to protect her, even going so far as martyring himself for her needs. I liked how he wanted to make amends for his bad boy past, and took the hostility of the townsfolk with relative good naturedness.
I liked the peeks back into the lives of the previous couples, and could better appreciate their roles in the tapestry of the town. The book had quite a few spots of humor in it for me as well!
All things considered, this was a good installment in the series, and would recommend it to others only if they had read the previous books of the series.
December 13, 2016
There are not very many romance novels that make me laugh out loud. Giggle? Sure, but not laugh out loud, making the kids look at me, like I am weird, kind-a-laughing. It's In His Arms managed to do just that.
Now don't get me wrong, this novel has many romantic, and steamy hot scenes as well. Not only that, it has very likable, and interesting main characters, who were easy to root for. There is a lot of tension, and without spoiling the book for you, not just the romantic kind, but also a creepy, almost thriller kind, as the female lead faces more than just a potential heartbreak, but also some real danger.
There were times, where I wanted to shout at Lorenda to listen a little more to her male lead, Mitchell, because what seemed to be obvious to him (and me as the reader), she seemed to be oblivious of. Naivete seems to be a trait many romance novel female leads tend to share, and even if it was not as bad with her character, as it is with some of the other books, I have read before, I would have liked her to be a bit more suspicious, especially considering that she had kids to protect as well.
Still, I found this novel overall very entertaining, and charming, as well as fast-paced. I was given this book by NetGalley, in return for an honest review
Now don't get me wrong, this novel has many romantic, and steamy hot scenes as well. Not only that, it has very likable, and interesting main characters, who were easy to root for. There is a lot of tension, and without spoiling the book for you, not just the romantic kind, but also a creepy, almost thriller kind, as the female lead faces more than just a potential heartbreak, but also some real danger.
There were times, where I wanted to shout at Lorenda to listen a little more to her male lead, Mitchell, because what seemed to be obvious to him (and me as the reader), she seemed to be oblivious of. Naivete seems to be a trait many romance novel female leads tend to share, and even if it was not as bad with her character, as it is with some of the other books, I have read before, I would have liked her to be a bit more suspicious, especially considering that she had kids to protect as well.
Still, I found this novel overall very entertaining, and charming, as well as fast-paced. I was given this book by NetGalley, in return for an honest review
December 26, 2016
Oh my, what a thoughtful, complex, thought provoking and engaging book. I had never read anything by this very talented author, and was clueless on what to expect. Much to my surprise, she captured me (rather sucked me into the story) within the first couple of pages.
The synopsis of the story is about a young military widow with two boys, her husband’s “trouble making” ex-Seal, twin brother who has returned to the town he grew up in, and about a possible danger Lorenda, the protagonist, is in.
But it’s so much more than that. It’s a story about family, about how one sibling trying to preserve the good image of his brother, ends up being considered the “bad seed”. About how family and friends can cause a great deal of hurt by their undeserved judgement , about a man who has suffered a lifetime of hurt and would rather leave than cause further hurt to those that might not care for him, but still have influence over him and on how love , support and caring can really overcome all. It’s also a reminder that war is never simple and that our troops deserve our respect and thanks.
So thank you, Ms Alexander for such a wonderful book.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
The synopsis of the story is about a young military widow with two boys, her husband’s “trouble making” ex-Seal, twin brother who has returned to the town he grew up in, and about a possible danger Lorenda, the protagonist, is in.
But it’s so much more than that. It’s a story about family, about how one sibling trying to preserve the good image of his brother, ends up being considered the “bad seed”. About how family and friends can cause a great deal of hurt by their undeserved judgement , about a man who has suffered a lifetime of hurt and would rather leave than cause further hurt to those that might not care for him, but still have influence over him and on how love , support and caring can really overcome all. It’s also a reminder that war is never simple and that our troops deserve our respect and thanks.
So thank you, Ms Alexander for such a wonderful book.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 2, 2017
Book: It's In His Arms (Red River Valley #4)
Author: Shelly Alexander
Publication Date: 1/3/2017
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne-Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
Review
I have truly enjoyed every book in this series and they only get better. We met Lorenda back in a previous book she is the wife of a military man with two sons. The problem? Her husband doesn't want to come back and she has hidden the truth from so many and then he is killed in action. The twin brother is now back which is her best friend but things go all kinds of wrong.
Mitchell is the town bad boy or at least that is what he has allowed them to believe. However he didn't realize his best friend knew and allowed him to keep his secret until that one day she cannot.
These two have protected each other all their lives now can they save each other?
This couple belonged together but heart and love for one kept them apart. This story is truly heartwarming, and oh so sexy too. Loved it!!
Shelly Alexander
Author: Shelly Alexander
Publication Date: 1/3/2017
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne-Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
Review
I have truly enjoyed every book in this series and they only get better. We met Lorenda back in a previous book she is the wife of a military man with two sons. The problem? Her husband doesn't want to come back and she has hidden the truth from so many and then he is killed in action. The twin brother is now back which is her best friend but things go all kinds of wrong.
Mitchell is the town bad boy or at least that is what he has allowed them to believe. However he didn't realize his best friend knew and allowed him to keep his secret until that one day she cannot.
These two have protected each other all their lives now can they save each other?
This couple belonged together but heart and love for one kept them apart. This story is truly heartwarming, and oh so sexy too. Loved it!!
Shelly Alexander
November 19, 2016
My Review of It’s In His Arms by Shelly Alexander
My Rating is 4.5 Stars
What can I say I absolutely loved this story! The writing was impeccable,
Lorenda and her two sons have been trying to move on with life after the death of her husband.
Mitchell has returned home with the intention of making things right with his father and the town he was such a heathen in.
With a strange turn of events that lands Lorenda in Mitchell’s arms and with Mitchell military background and his fear that something could happen to Lorenda and the boys the saga begins.
This was a heartwarming journey of one’s redemption and the awakening of how love and life should really be. It’s a beautiful story one that should be experienced!
*Reviewed by Momma Hellmouth for Hellmouth’s Bookblog & Reviews*
December 26, 2016
Mitchell and Lorenda's story is as heartbreaking as it is poignant. The emotions Ms. Alexander evokes and the lessons she bestows are just a taste of her excellence as an author. At the center of It's in His Arms is a tale of two brothers. Cam lived the life of a soldier. Duty before all was his motto and he followed that mantra to the end of his life. Mitchell had the heart of a rebel and the reputation to match but beneath the subterfuge was a sensitive man who was often misunderstood. A rush to judgment shaped the lives of both brothers. One woman holds the key to unlocking the secrets to two men. Will she risk it all in the name of love? I find myself becoming more deeply enmeshed in Red River Valley. The people, the emotions and stories that translate from fiction to reality.
December 22, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this author and I absolutely loved it!!!! I will be reading more of her books. In this book Lorenda is raising her two young sons on her own because their father/her husband, Cameron, was killed in action. Mitchell, Cameron's twin unexpectedly shows up in town trying to make amends with his father but ends up protecting Lorenda and her boys because she had been mugged. Most everyone in town hates Mitchell because he was a rebel teenager but he is taking the blame for some things he never did. I was a little leary about reading this book because Lorenda was married to Mitchell's twin and that seemed odd to me. But this book was so well written, and the chemistry between Mitchell and Lorenda is so hot that it worked!
December 11, 2016
I really enjoyed returning to Red River Valley, this time with Lorenda Lawson and her two young boys. Lorenda's husband had been killed overseas in the military and she remained in their hometown, still keeping his secrets, chief among them that he'd basically abandoned her and their two children. When her husband's twin brother Mitchell returns to town, more secrets are stirred up and an unforgiving town shuns both Lorenda and Mitchell. This was a solid book with some good mystery and action as well as spice and romance!
I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book in return for my honest review.
I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book in return for my honest review.
February 7, 2019
What a great story! Review to come
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I really enjoyed getting lost in Shelly's Red River Valley world. Lorenda is trying to raise 2 boys on her own and her marriage wasn't what people of the town or her family thought it was. She is trying to move on and forget the sadness of her marriage. In comes town bad boy, her former brother-in-law, Mitchell. And like when they were younger, Lorenda could see past his bad boy image. People of the town and his own father only see the bad boy image that has followed Mitchell all these years, despite his service to his country.
See my full review at https://booksaccordingtoabby.blogspot...
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I really enjoyed getting lost in Shelly's Red River Valley world. Lorenda is trying to raise 2 boys on her own and her marriage wasn't what people of the town or her family thought it was. She is trying to move on and forget the sadness of her marriage. In comes town bad boy, her former brother-in-law, Mitchell. And like when they were younger, Lorenda could see past his bad boy image. People of the town and his own father only see the bad boy image that has followed Mitchell all these years, despite his service to his country.
See my full review at https://booksaccordingtoabby.blogspot...
November 12, 2016
This is the first book by this author that I have read. The writing is very good. Mitchell comes back home from the military and tries to make amends with his father & the town for all the chaos he caused when he was younger. Lorenda is trying to make a life for her and her boys. You find 2 people trying to be together but there are things standing in their way. The question is.... Will they be able to make it or will Mitchell run again.
December 13, 2016
This review is based on the ARC received from the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
I never read a book with so many kooky made up words. But the author made it work, this book is flippin adorable. There was quite a bit of intrigue running in the background to make this a very interesting read.
I never read a book with so many kooky made up words. But the author made it work, this book is flippin adorable. There was quite a bit of intrigue running in the background to make this a very interesting read.
December 27, 2016
This was the first book I have read by Shelly Alexander and it will not be my last! I read this novel as a standalone and will definitely will be reading the first three books in the Red River Valley series! Smooth writing and filled with a blend of romance and suspense to keep you intrigued!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
February 2, 2017
Wow! I absolutely adored this book.
Romance, a bad guy and a mystery. Most of the things that I enjoy in a book. From the start to the end I loved this book and will now be following Shelly Alexander as one of my new favourite authors.
I was given this book by Netgalley and this is my voluntary review.
Romance, a bad guy and a mystery. Most of the things that I enjoy in a book. From the start to the end I loved this book and will now be following Shelly Alexander as one of my new favourite authors.
I was given this book by Netgalley and this is my voluntary review.
November 26, 2016
I was given in ARC copy of this book for an my honest review. I loved this book. Mitchell and Lorenda pulled at my heart strings. The flow of book was really good, it held my attention. I can't wait to read more of Shelly Alexander books.
December 6, 2016
via netgalley
solid read, great couple.
solid read, great couple.
February 12, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Lorenda Lawson
Mitchell Lawson
Trevor
Jayyce
----------------------------------
What happens?
Despite being a widow Lorenda is used to raising her children on her own. She is devoted to her children and to her community trying to set up a free music tutor program for the kids in her community so they can love music like she does.
Mitchell is a returning decorated war vet. As an ex seal he knows danger and he knows that someone is putting her in danger. He is also her late husbands identical twin and known around the town as the trouble maker.
Final thoughts
I liked this one probably the most (have I said that before) I probably have done. Lorenda is someone I really like she has been hurt by the rejection of herself and children by her husband. She is trying to do something to help kids after she can't go back to college and get her teaching degree to teach music so I just felt for her. Mitchell is a war hero or at least someone that has seen things people shouldn't have to see. He gets so much hate from the town when all he is doing is coming back to see his family. I liked his character too.
I wasn't too sure about their start, it just kind of escalated suddenly but the way they built their actual feelings was nice.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Lorenda Lawson
Mitchell Lawson
Trevor
Jayyce
----------------------------------
What happens?
Despite being a widow Lorenda is used to raising her children on her own. She is devoted to her children and to her community trying to set up a free music tutor program for the kids in her community so they can love music like she does.
Mitchell is a returning decorated war vet. As an ex seal he knows danger and he knows that someone is putting her in danger. He is also her late husbands identical twin and known around the town as the trouble maker.
Final thoughts
I liked this one probably the most (have I said that before) I probably have done. Lorenda is someone I really like she has been hurt by the rejection of herself and children by her husband. She is trying to do something to help kids after she can't go back to college and get her teaching degree to teach music so I just felt for her. Mitchell is a war hero or at least someone that has seen things people shouldn't have to see. He gets so much hate from the town when all he is doing is coming back to see his family. I liked his character too.
I wasn't too sure about their start, it just kind of escalated suddenly but the way they built their actual feelings was nice.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
February 3, 2020
Was it cringey : yes
January 3, 2017
I am a big fan of romance books especially second chance romances. I go crazy for military/ex-military heroes. I’m a bigger fan of mysteries. I love them all and can’t get enough. Put these components together, you can’t go wrong, in my opinion, and you have me hooked. That’s what I love about It’s In His Arms. It is a little of everything I love.
It’s In His Arms by Shelly Alexander is the story of a single mom, Lorenda Lawson. Her husband, Cameron, a SEAL, is killed in action leaving her to raise their two sons alone. Unfortunately, for Lorenda, Cam deserted her emotionally long before his death, and that hurt more than anything. Lorenda doesn’t date because she doesn’t want her boys to get attached to someone who might leave them and she doesn’t believe her heart can handle the pain of rejection again.
Out of the blue, Mitchell Lawson, Cam’s twin comes home and stirs up all the feelings she has trapped inside. Lorenda knows it is silly to get to attached to Mitchell because, like Cam, he will leave. There are so many similarities between the twins and so many differences that sparks fly. He is a SEAL and carves the adventure. He doesn't like to be in one place and the military offers him his only option. Regrettably, Lorenda can’t help herself. Mitch has always been her friend and the "bro code" didn’t allow him to get closer once Cam made his interest known.
Mitch comes to town just in time to witness Lorenda getting knocked down and her suitcase stolen. It feels off to him and his six sense, from years of military service, warns him she is in danger. From what, though? Mitch, the protector, gets closer to Lorenda while the small town they call home becomes suspicious and remembers his youthful hijinks.
The characters are perfect together. The chemistry between the two main characters is hot, hot, hot. The romance grows appropriately and gets the reader in their corner.
Lorenda is a determined woman and a good mother. She gives up a lot to be a good mother to her boys, and she is happy to do so. She loves them unconditionally. She is also a talented musician. Her goal before motherhood is to be a music teacher, but that goal changes when she drops out of college. Instead of teaching Lorenda’s new dream is to start a music program for the kids. Her plans are coming to fruition, and the energy and joy of music is flowing back in her bones.
Mitchell is a good guy but misunderstood by most of the town. His father hates him unjustly, and his mother misses him. He wants to make reparations for his past, but small towns have long memories even if the memories aren’t entirely correct. Mitchell is pulled between leaving his hometown that is full of bad memories and staying to protect his family.
I quickly guess who is behind all the trouble, but several unexpected twists add interest to the story. It’s In His Arms is told in the third person which works well in the telling of this story. I enjoy stories featuring thirty-somethings. There is a little more maturity in their actions even when they make wrong decisions. It's In His Arms is part of the Red River Valley series. I haven’t read any of the other books yet, and I didn’t feel lost or missing any information about the main characters or the story line.
By the end of the book, I’m sure I know which couples are featured in the other books in this series. I’m looking forward to getting them and learning the backstory for the group. It’s In His Arms is a perfect introduction to Shelly Alexander’s writing and it has me looking forward to more of her tales.
It’s In His Arms by Shelly Alexander is the story of a single mom, Lorenda Lawson. Her husband, Cameron, a SEAL, is killed in action leaving her to raise their two sons alone. Unfortunately, for Lorenda, Cam deserted her emotionally long before his death, and that hurt more than anything. Lorenda doesn’t date because she doesn’t want her boys to get attached to someone who might leave them and she doesn’t believe her heart can handle the pain of rejection again.
Out of the blue, Mitchell Lawson, Cam’s twin comes home and stirs up all the feelings she has trapped inside. Lorenda knows it is silly to get to attached to Mitchell because, like Cam, he will leave. There are so many similarities between the twins and so many differences that sparks fly. He is a SEAL and carves the adventure. He doesn't like to be in one place and the military offers him his only option. Regrettably, Lorenda can’t help herself. Mitch has always been her friend and the "bro code" didn’t allow him to get closer once Cam made his interest known.
Mitch comes to town just in time to witness Lorenda getting knocked down and her suitcase stolen. It feels off to him and his six sense, from years of military service, warns him she is in danger. From what, though? Mitch, the protector, gets closer to Lorenda while the small town they call home becomes suspicious and remembers his youthful hijinks.
The characters are perfect together. The chemistry between the two main characters is hot, hot, hot. The romance grows appropriately and gets the reader in their corner.
Lorenda is a determined woman and a good mother. She gives up a lot to be a good mother to her boys, and she is happy to do so. She loves them unconditionally. She is also a talented musician. Her goal before motherhood is to be a music teacher, but that goal changes when she drops out of college. Instead of teaching Lorenda’s new dream is to start a music program for the kids. Her plans are coming to fruition, and the energy and joy of music is flowing back in her bones.
Mitchell is a good guy but misunderstood by most of the town. His father hates him unjustly, and his mother misses him. He wants to make reparations for his past, but small towns have long memories even if the memories aren’t entirely correct. Mitchell is pulled between leaving his hometown that is full of bad memories and staying to protect his family.
I quickly guess who is behind all the trouble, but several unexpected twists add interest to the story. It’s In His Arms is told in the third person which works well in the telling of this story. I enjoy stories featuring thirty-somethings. There is a little more maturity in their actions even when they make wrong decisions. It's In His Arms is part of the Red River Valley series. I haven’t read any of the other books yet, and I didn’t feel lost or missing any information about the main characters or the story line.
By the end of the book, I’m sure I know which couples are featured in the other books in this series. I’m looking forward to getting them and learning the backstory for the group. It’s In His Arms is a perfect introduction to Shelly Alexander’s writing and it has me looking forward to more of her tales.
December 6, 2016
***4.5 Hearts.
It's In His Arms is the fourth book in the Red River. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. The only other book in the series I have read was It's In His Smile and that is where I was first introduced to Lorenda Lawson. Mother. War Widow. One of the Mommy Mafia women. This is her story and it's complicated, and sexy one...
Lorenda and her two boys have been on their own for the last six years. In reality, it's been longer than that since her husband wasn't home much since he enlisted after graduation. He was only home long enough to get her pregnant twice. He was a SEAL killed in action six years ago and was a hometown hero. Even though Cameron's twin brother, Mitchell was just as honorable as a SEAL over the last fourteen years the town didn't see it that way. He will also be that punk that brought trouble to their small town and now that he was back to mend fences, the town wants him gone. Except for Lorenda and her boys. His nephews. His family. It's been six years since he left town the second time. He would easily do it again if it wasn't for Lorenda, her boys and their safety. Something happened the day he came back and he has a feeling it wasn't over. Someone was after his sister in law and he wasn't leaving until she was safe. And what he didn't expect was that he wanted it to be in his arms.
Mitchell and Lorenda didn't know what was happening between them. They grew up together. Were always friends. She was married to his twin. She shouldn't feel this way but she can't help it. He makes her nervous, flushed, and wanted. The way he looks at her is not in a sisterly way. It's primal. It's sexy as hell. She has never felt this way before. Not even with Cameron. And she can see that Mitchell is struggling the same way. They both don't want the attachment to ruin what they always had in the past. Friendship. She also doesn't want her boys to get attached because Mitchell is not the type to settle down in one place. She also isn't sure if she could deal with another Alpha Lawson. She has been doing fine over the last six years taking care of herself and the boys. She is a realtor and starting a free music program. It's her dream and with everyone in town believing rumors floating around Mitchell, her dream could be crushed by association. Is getting involved with him worth it or will he just leave once he got bored?
I loved this story! It's that forbidden type of romance. Small town feeling. Suspense. And sexy times. Mitchell is a protective badass, it's sweet really. He is at a fork in the road. To stay or go back to life he has lived for the past fourteen years. He doesn't know which would be better for Lorenda and his nephews. Trouble seems to follow him and he doesn't want that to affect them in the long run. And Lorenda...she is amazing! She is a kick-ass single mom that has a passion for music. She wants to share that passion and show others that they have it in them too. But it looks like someone is in the way of her happiness. Will they figure it out before it's too late?
Overall...its fun, sexy, and had its twists and turns. I thought characters were well-developed and so lovable. I mean, even the phone had me cracking up.
Quotes:
“Did you mean sex?” Minx purred from her phone. “Because I’m not that kind of girl.”
“I don’t know how to be anything but an alpha ass.” He stopped a breath away from her. “Especially when it comes to your safety.”
“I’ve had to keep the lingerie to myself,” she said in a sex-kitten voice. “Until now, the only men who have seen it are Ben and Jerry.”
It's In His Arms is the fourth book in the Red River. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. The only other book in the series I have read was It's In His Smile and that is where I was first introduced to Lorenda Lawson. Mother. War Widow. One of the Mommy Mafia women. This is her story and it's complicated, and sexy one...
Lorenda and her two boys have been on their own for the last six years. In reality, it's been longer than that since her husband wasn't home much since he enlisted after graduation. He was only home long enough to get her pregnant twice. He was a SEAL killed in action six years ago and was a hometown hero. Even though Cameron's twin brother, Mitchell was just as honorable as a SEAL over the last fourteen years the town didn't see it that way. He will also be that punk that brought trouble to their small town and now that he was back to mend fences, the town wants him gone. Except for Lorenda and her boys. His nephews. His family. It's been six years since he left town the second time. He would easily do it again if it wasn't for Lorenda, her boys and their safety. Something happened the day he came back and he has a feeling it wasn't over. Someone was after his sister in law and he wasn't leaving until she was safe. And what he didn't expect was that he wanted it to be in his arms.
Mitchell and Lorenda didn't know what was happening between them. They grew up together. Were always friends. She was married to his twin. She shouldn't feel this way but she can't help it. He makes her nervous, flushed, and wanted. The way he looks at her is not in a sisterly way. It's primal. It's sexy as hell. She has never felt this way before. Not even with Cameron. And she can see that Mitchell is struggling the same way. They both don't want the attachment to ruin what they always had in the past. Friendship. She also doesn't want her boys to get attached because Mitchell is not the type to settle down in one place. She also isn't sure if she could deal with another Alpha Lawson. She has been doing fine over the last six years taking care of herself and the boys. She is a realtor and starting a free music program. It's her dream and with everyone in town believing rumors floating around Mitchell, her dream could be crushed by association. Is getting involved with him worth it or will he just leave once he got bored?
I loved this story! It's that forbidden type of romance. Small town feeling. Suspense. And sexy times. Mitchell is a protective badass, it's sweet really. He is at a fork in the road. To stay or go back to life he has lived for the past fourteen years. He doesn't know which would be better for Lorenda and his nephews. Trouble seems to follow him and he doesn't want that to affect them in the long run. And Lorenda...she is amazing! She is a kick-ass single mom that has a passion for music. She wants to share that passion and show others that they have it in them too. But it looks like someone is in the way of her happiness. Will they figure it out before it's too late?
Overall...its fun, sexy, and had its twists and turns. I thought characters were well-developed and so lovable. I mean, even the phone had me cracking up.
Quotes:
“Did you mean sex?” Minx purred from her phone. “Because I’m not that kind of girl.”
“I don’t know how to be anything but an alpha ass.” He stopped a breath away from her. “Especially when it comes to your safety.”
“I’ve had to keep the lingerie to myself,” she said in a sex-kitten voice. “Until now, the only men who have seen it are Ben and Jerry.”
January 2, 2017
I seriously do not know where to begin this review. Saying “I really loved this book” seems like a lame beginning to a review, but I REALLY loved the 'sierra' out of this book. (That's a reference you'll get if you read the book.) The entire Red River Valley Series has been great, and I had a favorite book/couple that I was sure would remain my favorite, but Mitchell and Lorenda snuck up gently and booted them out of the top spot.
It seems so strange to say that I laughed my way through a book that deals with serious subjects such as a widow and brother protecting a dead soldier's legacy and mysteriously dangerous goings on in town, but Ms. Alexander so brilliantly combined the seriousness of the issues with incredible laugh out loud humor. Not a lot of authors can do this successfully, but this one is spot on.
Lorenda is a widow with two adorable boys and a dead husband who left behind a legacy that isn't quite as perfect as everyone thinks. Mitchell lost his twin brother to war, his hometown and his father's love to misunderstandings and a small-town's viciousness. One of the only people in Red River who didn't turn their back on him was Lorenda, his twin brother's widow. The story of how Lorenda and Mitchell come together is sweet, funny, and at times agonizing. My heart ached for both of them as they worked through the issues around Cameron's death and legacy, and even though the idea of a woman getting together with the twin of her dead husband sounds like an odd premise that should be really awkward, I promise you that it 100% works here. The chemistry between these two is off the charts hot, but they also connect on a deeper level, it isn't all about the sexual tension. There's also a bit of intrigue in this book that was really interesting. I don't want to say too much about it, but it was a nice addition to this book without being over the top.
Although there were so many things in this book that were wonderful (the mommy mafia, the hysterical and naughty Francine & Clydelle) one of my favorite things in the book was a moment that involved stargazing, Lorenda reconciling her feelings about Cam, and a seriously beautiful conversation. Again, I won't spoil anything, but this scene resonated with me enough that I actually finished the book and then went back to re-read that part even though it was 1:30 am and I really needed to be asleep.
This book is fourth in the RRV series, but it can absolutely stand alone. There is nothing in this novel that you *have* to have read the others to understand, but you really should because they're really good and because there are a lot of cameos in this that are that much sweeter when you know the backstories of the characters. That said, having read the previous books, it was very hard for me to read how the people of RR were treating Mitchell. I actually found myself disappointed in a fictional town.
I know that Ms. Alexander has started a new series away from Red River Valley (which I also am enjoying), but I hope that we'll see more from Red River in the future because I would love to see Langdon get his HEA.
I requested and was granted an ARC of this book through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to write a review or to pre-order the book, I did both happily because I enjoyed it that much.
It seems so strange to say that I laughed my way through a book that deals with serious subjects such as a widow and brother protecting a dead soldier's legacy and mysteriously dangerous goings on in town, but Ms. Alexander so brilliantly combined the seriousness of the issues with incredible laugh out loud humor. Not a lot of authors can do this successfully, but this one is spot on.
Lorenda is a widow with two adorable boys and a dead husband who left behind a legacy that isn't quite as perfect as everyone thinks. Mitchell lost his twin brother to war, his hometown and his father's love to misunderstandings and a small-town's viciousness. One of the only people in Red River who didn't turn their back on him was Lorenda, his twin brother's widow. The story of how Lorenda and Mitchell come together is sweet, funny, and at times agonizing. My heart ached for both of them as they worked through the issues around Cameron's death and legacy, and even though the idea of a woman getting together with the twin of her dead husband sounds like an odd premise that should be really awkward, I promise you that it 100% works here. The chemistry between these two is off the charts hot, but they also connect on a deeper level, it isn't all about the sexual tension. There's also a bit of intrigue in this book that was really interesting. I don't want to say too much about it, but it was a nice addition to this book without being over the top.
Although there were so many things in this book that were wonderful (the mommy mafia, the hysterical and naughty Francine & Clydelle) one of my favorite things in the book was a moment that involved stargazing, Lorenda reconciling her feelings about Cam, and a seriously beautiful conversation. Again, I won't spoil anything, but this scene resonated with me enough that I actually finished the book and then went back to re-read that part even though it was 1:30 am and I really needed to be asleep.
This book is fourth in the RRV series, but it can absolutely stand alone. There is nothing in this novel that you *have* to have read the others to understand, but you really should because they're really good and because there are a lot of cameos in this that are that much sweeter when you know the backstories of the characters. That said, having read the previous books, it was very hard for me to read how the people of RR were treating Mitchell. I actually found myself disappointed in a fictional town.
I know that Ms. Alexander has started a new series away from Red River Valley (which I also am enjoying), but I hope that we'll see more from Red River in the future because I would love to see Langdon get his HEA.
I requested and was granted an ARC of this book through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to write a review or to pre-order the book, I did both happily because I enjoyed it that much.
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