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Portland Devils #1
Silver-Tongued Devil
No more wild rides. No more wild side.
Blake Orbison’s pro football career may have ended with a bang, but not calling the signals anymore just gives him more time to devote to his business enterprises, including the latest and greatest: the opening of the Wild Horse Resort in scenic north Idaho. And that other one, too. Blake’s on the marriage track, and he’s got a game plan. But when he runs into a trespasser leaping from his shoreline boulders into his lake, what’s a good ol’ boy to do but strip down and join her?
Dakota Savage is nobody’s temporary diversion, least of all the man responsible for her family’s semi-desperate circumstances. Some people may think she has a piercing too many, but she’s had more than enough of being called trash in this town. She’s come home to Wild Horse to run her stepfather’s painting business, and any extra time she has goes into creating her stained glass. An overpaid, entitled, infuriating NFL quarterback is no part of her life plan, no matter how sweet he talks. No matter how slow he smiles. No matter what.
Blake Orbison’s pro football career may have ended with a bang, but not calling the signals anymore just gives him more time to devote to his business enterprises, including the latest and greatest: the opening of the Wild Horse Resort in scenic north Idaho. And that other one, too. Blake’s on the marriage track, and he’s got a game plan. But when he runs into a trespasser leaping from his shoreline boulders into his lake, what’s a good ol’ boy to do but strip down and join her?
Dakota Savage is nobody’s temporary diversion, least of all the man responsible for her family’s semi-desperate circumstances. Some people may think she has a piercing too many, but she’s had more than enough of being called trash in this town. She’s come home to Wild Horse to run her stepfather’s painting business, and any extra time she has goes into creating her stained glass. An overpaid, entitled, infuriating NFL quarterback is no part of her life plan, no matter how sweet he talks. No matter how slow he smiles. No matter what.
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2016
1516 people are currently reading
1270 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind James
55 books1,218 followersRosalind James writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense published both by Montlake Romance and independently. Her stories are set in New Zealand, Idaho, California, New York . . . really, anyplace that seems cool. (Research trips, especially those involving lots of rugby, are a bonus.) Her books are available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. Rosalind is a former marketing executive who spent several years in Australia and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture of both countries. She attributes her rapid success to the fact that "Lots of people would like to escape to New Zealand! I know I did!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
January 2, 2019
Our hero has decided that since his football career is over he us ready to settle down. The kind of wife he wants is on the classy side. Someone who will wear pearls and eat lunch with her sorority sisters at the country club.
Enter our heroine who is a house painter and an artist. She doesn’t have the pedigree our hero is looking for neither does she want to get married.
Cute story!
Enter our heroine who is a house painter and an artist. She doesn’t have the pedigree our hero is looking for neither does she want to get married.
Cute story!
January 23, 2018
I really liked the H & h. I liked how they solved relationship problems like adults.
Spoiler
Trigger: (teenage) Rape in h passed.
Listened to the audible version (Romance Package -Free)
Spoiler
Trigger: (teenage) Rape in h passed.
Listened to the audible version (Romance Package -Free)
June 6, 2019
5 stars
Dakota is a painting contractor whose small company is working on completing a big project at a new resort going up in her small hometown. She has come back to run her father's (stepfather's) painting business, since he is hurt and can't do it anymore. Dakota does not have wonderful memories of the town, since people with their prejudices and following where the town's "golden boy" from a good family call her trash. Dakota wants to repay her stepfather, though, for stepping up when he didn't have to, since the only connection they had was through her brother, his son.
Blake was a quarterback for a professional football team who is fresh off blowing out his knee. He has to find something to fill up his time, so he chooses to build a resort in small town Idaho. One day, he catches his security team watching someone swim out in the lake, even though they are not supposed to be there. Blake decides to take care of it, and meets Dakota. She doesn't know who he is at first, but does know before they part ways, and her enjoyment of swimming and diving in the lake seems to take a nose dive. Blake is used to people sucking up to him because he is famous, and he has a marriage plan, but he can't help but be attracted and intrigued by Dakota.
After unwittingly spending the day with Dakota's father, and seeing Dakota's art at the end of the day, Blake hires their company, and Dakota in particular, to paint his house in time for the big resort opening. They spend more time together, getting to know one another, but Blake has his marriage ideal, and Dakota has her plans to get out of town as quickly as she can.
I liked Dakota and Blake together. They actually got to know one another, instead of just assuming, or listening to gossip. Blake was strong and very protective of Dakota from the beginning, and building her up, even before he knew all of her story. And once he went on an official first date with Dakota, there was never anyone else for him, even with his plans to marry the perfect wife. A lot of times in romance novels, if the H has a preconceived notion of what he wants in a perfect partner, he enjoys his time with the h, but keeps looking for the perfect woman, and Blake didn't do that. He didn't even think about it, even if he didn't quite realize how he could be with Dakota.
Dakota had been hurt in the past, and was determined not to let someone who wasn't really going to be around be a major part in her life. But Blake kept slowly pushing, and she begins to let him in to know her.
They also actually talked things out like adults instead of running away with hurt feelings and assumptions. Blake was the one who insisted on it, but Dakota met him and actually listened to what he said, which was another awesome thing that is not typical in romances.
There was a little bit of mystery, and while it didn't really add anything to the story, it also didn't detract or distract from it. The attitudes of small towns came through loud and clear, both the good and the bad aspects of it.
I am a sympathetic crier, and I definitely shed tears in this one. Dakota had such a story to tell, and so many insecurities, and they must have hit me just right when I was reading yesterday, because I went through a few tissues.
Dakota is a painting contractor whose small company is working on completing a big project at a new resort going up in her small hometown. She has come back to run her father's (stepfather's) painting business, since he is hurt and can't do it anymore. Dakota does not have wonderful memories of the town, since people with their prejudices and following where the town's "golden boy" from a good family call her trash. Dakota wants to repay her stepfather, though, for stepping up when he didn't have to, since the only connection they had was through her brother, his son.
Blake was a quarterback for a professional football team who is fresh off blowing out his knee. He has to find something to fill up his time, so he chooses to build a resort in small town Idaho. One day, he catches his security team watching someone swim out in the lake, even though they are not supposed to be there. Blake decides to take care of it, and meets Dakota. She doesn't know who he is at first, but does know before they part ways, and her enjoyment of swimming and diving in the lake seems to take a nose dive. Blake is used to people sucking up to him because he is famous, and he has a marriage plan, but he can't help but be attracted and intrigued by Dakota.
After unwittingly spending the day with Dakota's father, and seeing Dakota's art at the end of the day, Blake hires their company, and Dakota in particular, to paint his house in time for the big resort opening. They spend more time together, getting to know one another, but Blake has his marriage ideal, and Dakota has her plans to get out of town as quickly as she can.
I liked Dakota and Blake together. They actually got to know one another, instead of just assuming, or listening to gossip. Blake was strong and very protective of Dakota from the beginning, and building her up, even before he knew all of her story. And once he went on an official first date with Dakota, there was never anyone else for him, even with his plans to marry the perfect wife. A lot of times in romance novels, if the H has a preconceived notion of what he wants in a perfect partner, he enjoys his time with the h, but keeps looking for the perfect woman, and Blake didn't do that. He didn't even think about it, even if he didn't quite realize how he could be with Dakota.
Dakota had been hurt in the past, and was determined not to let someone who wasn't really going to be around be a major part in her life. But Blake kept slowly pushing, and she begins to let him in to know her.
They also actually talked things out like adults instead of running away with hurt feelings and assumptions. Blake was the one who insisted on it, but Dakota met him and actually listened to what he said, which was another awesome thing that is not typical in romances.
There was a little bit of mystery, and while it didn't really add anything to the story, it also didn't detract or distract from it. The attitudes of small towns came through loud and clear, both the good and the bad aspects of it.
I am a sympathetic crier, and I definitely shed tears in this one. Dakota had such a story to tell, and so many insecurities, and they must have hit me just right when I was reading yesterday, because I went through a few tissues.
Want to read
August 13, 2017AMAZON FREEBIE 8/6/17
February 3, 2020
3.5 Dakota lives a pretty humble life in a small town. Half Lakota Indian, she now lives with Russ, her half-brother's father who is just like a real father to her. Back in high school Dakota was badly treated by the 'mean girls', and also by some of the jocks who think she is 'trash'. And sadly, her (undeserved) reputation in the town still hangs around, even though she is now respectably working and also creating brilliant, if under-appreciated stained glass art works.
Blake is a former NFL quarterback who has been forced into premature retirement after an injury. But he's now a highly successful businessman who is building a resort at the lake in Dakota's town. Blake thinks it's time for him to settle down, and he has a mental list of the attributes he wants in his future wife. And Dakota doesn't fit anywhere into that list.
Dakota doesn't know about Blake's 'wife shopping list', but she does think that he's not a one-woman guy. That if they give into the chemistry burning between them, it'll just be a one-time thing.
And of course, they're both wrong. As they fall for each other more and more, they gradually realise that this is real. The wife shopping list goes out the window, and Dakota starts to accept that maybe her art works are really worth something after all, and that she can fit into Blake's world.
I liked this sweet, sexy story that had a little bit of drama thrown in. I enjoyed it and will continue to read Rosalind James' books. If another one comes out in this series, I will read that too.
Blake is a former NFL quarterback who has been forced into premature retirement after an injury. But he's now a highly successful businessman who is building a resort at the lake in Dakota's town. Blake thinks it's time for him to settle down, and he has a mental list of the attributes he wants in his future wife. And Dakota doesn't fit anywhere into that list.
Dakota doesn't know about Blake's 'wife shopping list', but she does think that he's not a one-woman guy. That if they give into the chemistry burning between them, it'll just be a one-time thing.
And of course, they're both wrong. As they fall for each other more and more, they gradually realise that this is real. The wife shopping list goes out the window, and Dakota starts to accept that maybe her art works are really worth something after all, and that she can fit into Blake's world.
I liked this sweet, sexy story that had a little bit of drama thrown in. I enjoyed it and will continue to read Rosalind James' books. If another one comes out in this series, I will read that too.
February 1, 2020
I always enjoy Rosalind James’s books including this one . Her recipe hits all my taste buds. I could have done with a little more angst when that dude Eric put his size 14 feet in it and a little more consequence for Blake when Dakota found out about him looking for a prize bride but he was mad about her so I’ll let it slide. Over all a nice read...
November 17, 2016
As I was reading this, I kept thinking to myself: "this really reminds me of another book I've already read. A retired football player looking to settle down, a love interest who is looking to move on to bigger and brighter things, and a push and pull that makes me feel like I'm watching a tennis match. Wait, that's also a book by Rosalind James."
Now, I like Ms. James. There's something about her writing that's engaging without being sappy, and leaves me feeling slightly smarter for having read it. However, since I've read almost all of the Escape to New Zealand series and all of the published Paradise, Idaho series, this just seems like a rehash of a lot of the story lines.
I enjoyed the dual povs, as always. James' H always sounds like a guy and that's refreshing. I also like the fact that the MCs actually took the time to get to know one another before succumbing to their lust for one another.
However, the angst in this one just didn't work for me. Maybe it's the fact that I didn't really like the H. He's looking for a certain type of woman who's marriage material. He notices that the h is totally not the kind of woman he's supposed to be looking for, but he starts to pursue a relationship with her anyway, expecting things to burn out eventually. Wow, that's really romantic. Not.
And then there's the h. Her life sucked big time for a while, her town is her own personal hell, but she's kept her chin up. I have to admire her for that. She also came back to hell hole town to take care of her stepdad. I like her for her loyalty, too. Plus she resisted the H's considerable charms for a while and I admired that as well. But the chip on her shoulder is just too big and colours everything about her, her thoughts, what she says to other people, and what she does.
I wanted to like this book, but I couldn't muster up enough care. Maybe if all the MCs' inner turmoil wasn't on recycle, I would have liked it better.
H: I want to get married, so I'll date women that meet my criteria. Hey, there's the h. She's everything I shouldn't want, but I do. Real bad. I'm going to go after her anyway. Things will probably fizzle out, but at least I'll get it out of my system. Aw, man. I went and fell in love with her. What am I going to do? Well, she's still not marriage material and I'm leaving soon anyway, so does it really matter? Plus, she wants to travel and I want to start growing roots or some such thing. What a cunundrum.
h: Everyone thinks that I'm only good for a fun time. I'm going to prove them wrong. The H is a good guy and I'm just going to go with it, since he's proven to me that he cares. Wait, he told his friend that I'm not marriage material? That hurts. So bad. I don't know why people keep thinking I'm trash.
Overall, one star for James' story telling, three quarters star for an h I really admire, and another quarter star for a safe story. There wasn't any ow-om drama in it, but the H was a manwhore in the past, so it might not be completely safe for some readers. He did reform his ways before he even met the h and I do like that. It's not like he all of a sudden saw the error of his ways because of her.
Now, I like Ms. James. There's something about her writing that's engaging without being sappy, and leaves me feeling slightly smarter for having read it. However, since I've read almost all of the Escape to New Zealand series and all of the published Paradise, Idaho series, this just seems like a rehash of a lot of the story lines.
I enjoyed the dual povs, as always. James' H always sounds like a guy and that's refreshing. I also like the fact that the MCs actually took the time to get to know one another before succumbing to their lust for one another.
However, the angst in this one just didn't work for me. Maybe it's the fact that I didn't really like the H. He's looking for a certain type of woman who's marriage material. He notices that the h is totally not the kind of woman he's supposed to be looking for, but he starts to pursue a relationship with her anyway, expecting things to burn out eventually. Wow, that's really romantic. Not.
And then there's the h. Her life sucked big time for a while, her town is her own personal hell, but she's kept her chin up. I have to admire her for that. She also came back to hell hole town to take care of her stepdad. I like her for her loyalty, too. Plus she resisted the H's considerable charms for a while and I admired that as well. But the chip on her shoulder is just too big and colours everything about her, her thoughts, what she says to other people, and what she does.
I wanted to like this book, but I couldn't muster up enough care. Maybe if all the MCs' inner turmoil wasn't on recycle, I would have liked it better.
H: I want to get married, so I'll date women that meet my criteria. Hey, there's the h. She's everything I shouldn't want, but I do. Real bad. I'm going to go after her anyway. Things will probably fizzle out, but at least I'll get it out of my system. Aw, man. I went and fell in love with her. What am I going to do? Well, she's still not marriage material and I'm leaving soon anyway, so does it really matter? Plus, she wants to travel and I want to start growing roots or some such thing. What a cunundrum.
h: Everyone thinks that I'm only good for a fun time. I'm going to prove them wrong. The H is a good guy and I'm just going to go with it, since he's proven to me that he cares. Wait, he told his friend that I'm not marriage material? That hurts. So bad. I don't know why people keep thinking I'm trash.
Overall, one star for James' story telling, three quarters star for an h I really admire, and another quarter star for a safe story. There wasn't any ow-om drama in it, but the H was a manwhore in the past, so it might not be completely safe for some readers. He did reform his ways before he even met the h and I do like that. It's not like he all of a sudden saw the error of his ways because of her.
February 7, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
3.5 STARS
This is my first time experiencing any book by Rosalind James and I have to admit, I liked it! The narrator was fantastic, and the romance was sweet and enjoyable. It’s a good start to a new series, one that I’ll probably continue with in audio, especially if Tanya Eby is narrating. If you’re a fan of well-narrated contemporary romances, I’d definitely recommend this audiobook!
Former NFL quarterback-turned millionaire businessman, Blake Orbison is in search of the perfect wife. The injury that caused him to quit football had him reevaluating life and what was most important: family. So he’s set off to create a family of his own, starting with a wife that has certain qualities he has in mind. But when he meets Dakota Savage, skinny dipping in his lake of all things, he finds that what he thought he wanted in a wife wasn’t really what he needed at all.
A stained glass artist, Dakota is the very opposite of what Blake wants in a wife – she’s wild, artistic, outspoken, just wonderfully more and complex with a difficult past. She wants to travel and never settle down. I loved the passion Dakota has inside her. She and Blake complemented each other really well, despite not expecting to find anything meaningful between each other. Their romance developed slowly and genuinely, and I really loved the way they were able to support, encourage, and lean on each other.
I wasn’t a big fan of the suspense regarding Blake’s resort – I more wanted this audiobook to focus more on the romance aspect. I did enjoy the dynamics of Dakota’s family and her relationship with her stepfather, which tugged a bit at my heartstrings. The beginning half of the this had me gripped to the story, but the second half kind of mellowed out a bit for me. I feel like it’s more of an “it’s me, not you” sort of thing, so I’d still recommend Silver Tongued Devil. It’s sweet, slow, if a little predictable, but if you’re in a mood for a feel-good contemporary romance, you should give this a try!
Audible: http://amzn.to/2jeoxE9
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/2jy1McI
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/2kCbVTi
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
3.5 STARS
This is my first time experiencing any book by Rosalind James and I have to admit, I liked it! The narrator was fantastic, and the romance was sweet and enjoyable. It’s a good start to a new series, one that I’ll probably continue with in audio, especially if Tanya Eby is narrating. If you’re a fan of well-narrated contemporary romances, I’d definitely recommend this audiobook!
Former NFL quarterback-turned millionaire businessman, Blake Orbison is in search of the perfect wife. The injury that caused him to quit football had him reevaluating life and what was most important: family. So he’s set off to create a family of his own, starting with a wife that has certain qualities he has in mind. But when he meets Dakota Savage, skinny dipping in his lake of all things, he finds that what he thought he wanted in a wife wasn’t really what he needed at all.
A stained glass artist, Dakota is the very opposite of what Blake wants in a wife – she’s wild, artistic, outspoken, just wonderfully more and complex with a difficult past. She wants to travel and never settle down. I loved the passion Dakota has inside her. She and Blake complemented each other really well, despite not expecting to find anything meaningful between each other. Their romance developed slowly and genuinely, and I really loved the way they were able to support, encourage, and lean on each other.
I wasn’t a big fan of the suspense regarding Blake’s resort – I more wanted this audiobook to focus more on the romance aspect. I did enjoy the dynamics of Dakota’s family and her relationship with her stepfather, which tugged a bit at my heartstrings. The beginning half of the this had me gripped to the story, but the second half kind of mellowed out a bit for me. I feel like it’s more of an “it’s me, not you” sort of thing, so I’d still recommend Silver Tongued Devil. It’s sweet, slow, if a little predictable, but if you’re in a mood for a feel-good contemporary romance, you should give this a try!
Audible: http://amzn.to/2jeoxE9
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/2jy1McI
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/2kCbVTi
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
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September 22, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (9/22/18)!💝
Blurb:
No more wild rides. No more wild side.
Blake Orbison’s pro football career may have ended with a bang, but not calling the signals anymore just gives him more time to devote to his business enterprises, including the latest and greatest: the opening of the Wild Horse Resort in scenic north Idaho. And that other one, too. Blake’s on the marriage track, and he’s got a game plan. But when he runs into a trespasser leaping from his shoreline boulders into his lake, what’s a good ol’ boy to do but strip down and join her?
Dakota Savage is nobody’s temporary diversion, least of all the man responsible for her family’s semi-desperate circumstances. Some people may think she has a piercing too many, but she’s had more than enough of being called trash in this town. She’s come home to Wild Horse to run her stepfather’s painting business, and any extra time she has goes into creating her stained glass. An overpaid, entitled, infuriating NFL quarterback is no part of her life plan, no matter how sweet he talks. No matter how slow he smiles. No matter what.
Blurb:
No more wild rides. No more wild side.
Blake Orbison’s pro football career may have ended with a bang, but not calling the signals anymore just gives him more time to devote to his business enterprises, including the latest and greatest: the opening of the Wild Horse Resort in scenic north Idaho. And that other one, too. Blake’s on the marriage track, and he’s got a game plan. But when he runs into a trespasser leaping from his shoreline boulders into his lake, what’s a good ol’ boy to do but strip down and join her?
Dakota Savage is nobody’s temporary diversion, least of all the man responsible for her family’s semi-desperate circumstances. Some people may think she has a piercing too many, but she’s had more than enough of being called trash in this town. She’s come home to Wild Horse to run her stepfather’s painting business, and any extra time she has goes into creating her stained glass. An overpaid, entitled, infuriating NFL quarterback is no part of her life plan, no matter how sweet he talks. No matter how slow he smiles. No matter what.
May 2, 2020
This book is a tough one for me to rate fairly- I read this right after finishing an amazing (and angsty) novel and decided to read something lighter. I decided to round up, but this book could rate anywhere from 3-4 stars.
This is definitely a well written novel with interesting characters and a good story. I hate to say it, but this book is forgettable for me. I JUST finished it and I’m already realizing I’m not going to remember any of these details in a week (maybe less). I guess my issue with this novel is that it’s the typical rich guy meets poor girl trope. It has a little of that Cinderella element to it. And ofc that girl is shunned by the entire town until he comes to her rescue. It’s all just too cliche (even for me). Add to that the whole “I’m a football player” thing and it just felt like the author was trying to cram as many tropes into one novel as possible. I should probably start a list, but I’m feeling lazy.
See? I can’t stop ranting and yet I’m giving this 4 stars. My head space doesn’t make sense today. I’m just going to let this slide and hope no one ever reads this! 😜
This is definitely a well written novel with interesting characters and a good story. I hate to say it, but this book is forgettable for me. I JUST finished it and I’m already realizing I’m not going to remember any of these details in a week (maybe less). I guess my issue with this novel is that it’s the typical rich guy meets poor girl trope. It has a little of that Cinderella element to it. And ofc that girl is shunned by the entire town until he comes to her rescue. It’s all just too cliche (even for me). Add to that the whole “I’m a football player” thing and it just felt like the author was trying to cram as many tropes into one novel as possible. I should probably start a list, but I’m feeling lazy.
See? I can’t stop ranting and yet I’m giving this 4 stars. My head space doesn’t make sense today. I’m just going to let this slide and hope no one ever reads this! 😜
February 19, 2019
Silver-Tongued Devil was the first book in the Portland Devil’s series by Rosalind James.
Dakota was born and raised in the small town of Wild Horse, Idaho. She wouldn’t have come back except her step father needed her and she would do anything for him, including enduring the small town prejudices against her and her family.
Blake was a former NFL quarterback with a super bowl ring. He was a multi-millionaire with several successful businesses. His current investment was building the world class Wild Horse Resort.
On paper the two didn’t match; however, their chemistry was off the charts. James took us through both lives and the daily challenges they faced while bringing them full circle to each other. At times it was a little confusing, but still enjoyable. Through the heartbreak, suspense and anger, there was also hope.
Additionally, James set the stage for the series by introducing a crew of secondary characters. Some were lovable, others not so much - but all were intriguing. I’m not sure where James is headed fully with the series but Evan is up next in No Kind of Hero. Evan was definitely a hero in Silver-Tongued Devil so I totally can’t wait!
Dakota was born and raised in the small town of Wild Horse, Idaho. She wouldn’t have come back except her step father needed her and she would do anything for him, including enduring the small town prejudices against her and her family.
Blake was a former NFL quarterback with a super bowl ring. He was a multi-millionaire with several successful businesses. His current investment was building the world class Wild Horse Resort.
On paper the two didn’t match; however, their chemistry was off the charts. James took us through both lives and the daily challenges they faced while bringing them full circle to each other. At times it was a little confusing, but still enjoyable. Through the heartbreak, suspense and anger, there was also hope.
Additionally, James set the stage for the series by introducing a crew of secondary characters. Some were lovable, others not so much - but all were intriguing. I’m not sure where James is headed fully with the series but Evan is up next in No Kind of Hero. Evan was definitely a hero in Silver-Tongued Devil so I totally can’t wait!
July 27, 2017
Pretty decent romance. Cover would lead you to believe this is a football romance. He used to play football, but now is a business man. So I would definitely not classify this as a sports romance.
April 12, 2019
There was something about the writing style that threw me off a little bit.... but it grew on me as I read, and I really enjoyed the 2nd half of the book.
November 1, 2020
4.5 stars. I’ve become a big fan of Rosalind James’s writing over the last several months. I feel she’s able to capture the whole setting of a book from the locale and secondary characters to the main couple in each of her books. She has a lot of depth in her writing. For me, this particular book is reminiscent of Devney Perry or Catherine Cowles with a little Robyn Carr thrown in - there is a wonderful small town feel with well developed secondary characters (the heroine’s stepdad, Russell, is highly memorable), intense emotions from the main characters and a little suspense element to keep the reader guessing. The heroine and hero are both flawed characters, and it was especially enjoyable to see the heroine blossom in confidence through her art and with the hero’s encouragement and patience.
I think the cover is a bit deceiving and it doesn’t illustrate how well-developed the story is. I was really impressed with the story, but the book barely has anything to do with football. There hero is an ex-football player who is opening a resort in a small town. It’s not a sports romance - it’s a wonderful small town romance with well developed characters and a beautiful romance.
I think the cover is a bit deceiving and it doesn’t illustrate how well-developed the story is. I was really impressed with the story, but the book barely has anything to do with football. There hero is an ex-football player who is opening a resort in a small town. It’s not a sports romance - it’s a wonderful small town romance with well developed characters and a beautiful romance.
November 15, 2016
Sexy, well written, small town romance with a retired sports star that was actually so much more than I expected
Silver-Tongued Devil is a small town romance about a retired sports star, and his life after sports in his new business adventures, and a local quirky woman with a slight wild side, who appears to be the complete opposite of his dream woman but when it comes to the heart, he finds sometimes you can’t build a list for the perfect ideal woman. This book is full of sexiness, sensuality, emotion, passion, art and even a little bit of suspense which all equates to such a fabulous unique read.
We are first introduced to Blake, a multi-millionaire sports star turned businessman who is still in the process of fully accepting his new lifestyle and what he believes he needs to complete his life, before we meet Dakota, a hard working artistic woman trying to do right for her stepdad while putting her own dreams on the back-burner, although she still works on it when she can. Using dual points of views, we get a good rounded look and understanding of both characters as the book evolves and their sizzling chemistry that quickly heats up. Sparks instantly are there between the two characters when they meet although it’s not quite instant attraction on both halves but unknowingly ignites something deeper. Given the shortish time frame of the book and development of relationship between Blake and Dakota (roughly a month), the development of their relationship felt very natural and well paced, given the scenarios and challenges they faced. Both appear as strong unique characters but what makes them appealing to the reader is we get to see their more vulnerable sides at times with very real emotion, giving both characters a very realistic feel to them. I personally really liked the relationship Dakota had with her stepdad and how that developed throughout and also Blake’s relationship with him; her stepdad plays a biggish role in helping develop both characters further to a degree and added a grounding to both characters at appropriate times.
Silver-Tongued Devil is well written with a strong writing style that really pulls you in as a reader. While the book, overall, had a great blend of romance and steamy scenes, there is an air of mystery mixed with drama and tension that bubbles along throughout without being drawn out unnecessarily that adds to the intrigue of the plot. One of my favourite things that I loved about this book was Dakota’s art and the vividly stunning descriptions the author gives of such beautiful but simple sounding art that wasn’t too confusing as a reader to visualise and imagine. The epilogue leaves you feeling fully satisfied with the HEA and feeling that all ends have been tied up to make this a standalone read for Blake and Dakota’s story.
I would highly recommend this sexy, well written, small town romance that is actually so much more than what appears from the outset.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Silver-Tongued Devil is a small town romance about a retired sports star, and his life after sports in his new business adventures, and a local quirky woman with a slight wild side, who appears to be the complete opposite of his dream woman but when it comes to the heart, he finds sometimes you can’t build a list for the perfect ideal woman. This book is full of sexiness, sensuality, emotion, passion, art and even a little bit of suspense which all equates to such a fabulous unique read.
We are first introduced to Blake, a multi-millionaire sports star turned businessman who is still in the process of fully accepting his new lifestyle and what he believes he needs to complete his life, before we meet Dakota, a hard working artistic woman trying to do right for her stepdad while putting her own dreams on the back-burner, although she still works on it when she can. Using dual points of views, we get a good rounded look and understanding of both characters as the book evolves and their sizzling chemistry that quickly heats up. Sparks instantly are there between the two characters when they meet although it’s not quite instant attraction on both halves but unknowingly ignites something deeper. Given the shortish time frame of the book and development of relationship between Blake and Dakota (roughly a month), the development of their relationship felt very natural and well paced, given the scenarios and challenges they faced. Both appear as strong unique characters but what makes them appealing to the reader is we get to see their more vulnerable sides at times with very real emotion, giving both characters a very realistic feel to them. I personally really liked the relationship Dakota had with her stepdad and how that developed throughout and also Blake’s relationship with him; her stepdad plays a biggish role in helping develop both characters further to a degree and added a grounding to both characters at appropriate times.
Silver-Tongued Devil is well written with a strong writing style that really pulls you in as a reader. While the book, overall, had a great blend of romance and steamy scenes, there is an air of mystery mixed with drama and tension that bubbles along throughout without being drawn out unnecessarily that adds to the intrigue of the plot. One of my favourite things that I loved about this book was Dakota’s art and the vividly stunning descriptions the author gives of such beautiful but simple sounding art that wasn’t too confusing as a reader to visualise and imagine. The epilogue leaves you feeling fully satisfied with the HEA and feeling that all ends have been tied up to make this a standalone read for Blake and Dakota’s story.
I would highly recommend this sexy, well written, small town romance that is actually so much more than what appears from the outset.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
November 14, 2016
I’ve read all of Rosalind James’ novels and this is one of my very favorites. The charm stems from the clever repartee between the hero and heroine. There is rather a Cinderella plot as the hero, Blake Orbison, is a multi-millionaire and just to make him even more yummy, a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Apparently, he’s spent his money making lucrative real estate deals and, now that an injury has ended his career, is building a luxury resort in a small Idaho town.
The heroine, Dakota, has a small painting business that she handles for her stepfather who was injured in a terrible accident on one of Blake’s other construction projects. She’s returned home to help out and earn money to help pay off her stepfather’s mortgage. She’s also an extremely talented artist creating sensual glass mosaics. Think of Georgia O’Keeffe’s flower paintings done in glass. They sound lovely.
She and Blake hit it off right away and the sexual sparks and witty conversation flies between them. However, she’s wary of him because of his wealth and resentment over her stepfather’s injury for which he received very little help from the company.
The good guys are very good and appealing in this novel and the bad guys are irredeemably bad. Dakota’s father was a Lakota and so she has suffered a lot of prejudice in this small town and sexual assault when she was a teenager.
Blake had thought that he wanted to settle down with a sophisticated woman who would be happy to stay at home and raise his children. Little did he know that what he really wanted was a sexy, smart artist who dreams of traveling beyond this small town with all its prejudices.
Blake reminds me a little of Dean Robillard in Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Natural Born Charmer, with his charming wit and his attraction to a woman totally unlike the usual type of woman he was attracted to. I’ve never met anyone as witty and charming as these two fictional heroes, but I sure enjoyed reading about them.
The heroine, Dakota, has a small painting business that she handles for her stepfather who was injured in a terrible accident on one of Blake’s other construction projects. She’s returned home to help out and earn money to help pay off her stepfather’s mortgage. She’s also an extremely talented artist creating sensual glass mosaics. Think of Georgia O’Keeffe’s flower paintings done in glass. They sound lovely.
She and Blake hit it off right away and the sexual sparks and witty conversation flies between them. However, she’s wary of him because of his wealth and resentment over her stepfather’s injury for which he received very little help from the company.
The good guys are very good and appealing in this novel and the bad guys are irredeemably bad. Dakota’s father was a Lakota and so she has suffered a lot of prejudice in this small town and sexual assault when she was a teenager.
Blake had thought that he wanted to settle down with a sophisticated woman who would be happy to stay at home and raise his children. Little did he know that what he really wanted was a sexy, smart artist who dreams of traveling beyond this small town with all its prejudices.
Blake reminds me a little of Dean Robillard in Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Natural Born Charmer, with his charming wit and his attraction to a woman totally unlike the usual type of woman he was attracted to. I’ve never met anyone as witty and charming as these two fictional heroes, but I sure enjoyed reading about them.
December 16, 2019
I’ve been a big fan of Rosalind James and her Escape to New Zealand series (as well as a few other random books of hers here and there), so I didn’t hesitate to one-click this one in a new series.
But I tapped out at 40%.
I fully confess that I may be in a mood. The holidays are stressful, I don’t like being cold, and it’s not been a good reading year overall so my patience is thin. I kept coming back to Silver-Tonged Devil for over a week but just couldn’t make myself care about either the hero or heroine. I couldn’t make myself like either of them. There’s a fine line between a heroine who is plucky and has grit..and one who has a chip on her shoulder. And this one had a chip on her shoulder. And if I still don't have a sense of the hero being a good guy after 40%, will I ever???
I need something that’s going to engage and entertain me right now, and this one was not doing it. So I’m putting this one in my DNF pile and moving on. Hopefully to something that puts me in a better mood.
But I tapped out at 40%.
I fully confess that I may be in a mood. The holidays are stressful, I don’t like being cold, and it’s not been a good reading year overall so my patience is thin. I kept coming back to Silver-Tonged Devil for over a week but just couldn’t make myself care about either the hero or heroine. I couldn’t make myself like either of them. There’s a fine line between a heroine who is plucky and has grit..and one who has a chip on her shoulder. And this one had a chip on her shoulder. And if I still don't have a sense of the hero being a good guy after 40%, will I ever???
I need something that’s going to engage and entertain me right now, and this one was not doing it. So I’m putting this one in my DNF pile and moving on. Hopefully to something that puts me in a better mood.
November 17, 2016
4.5 Star Review of Silver-Tongued Devil (Portland Devils #1) by Rosalind James
This was a fantastic start to a new series from Rosalind James. I have always enjoyed Ms. James writing style; her characters are always believable and the way she describes the surroundings, often makes me feel as though I am seeing the places she talks about in my mind. Silver-Tongued Devil was no exception.
From the start she drew me in with her lead characters of Blake Orbison who is an ex pro football player who opens the Wild Horse Resort in Idaho and the feisty and clever Dakota Savage (I love the names).
Both these characters were strong in their own right and yet Dakota certainly had her vulnerable and insecure moments. It was unusual to find that it was Blake who was looking to settle down and Dakota was the one who wanted to explore and have fun.
This was an emotional love story and one that I highly recommend.
This was a fantastic start to a new series from Rosalind James. I have always enjoyed Ms. James writing style; her characters are always believable and the way she describes the surroundings, often makes me feel as though I am seeing the places she talks about in my mind. Silver-Tongued Devil was no exception.
From the start she drew me in with her lead characters of Blake Orbison who is an ex pro football player who opens the Wild Horse Resort in Idaho and the feisty and clever Dakota Savage (I love the names).
Both these characters were strong in their own right and yet Dakota certainly had her vulnerable and insecure moments. It was unusual to find that it was Blake who was looking to settle down and Dakota was the one who wanted to explore and have fun.
This was an emotional love story and one that I highly recommend.
October 12, 2017
DNF @ 53%
I could not get my head into this one. I found myself skipping a lot and kind of just waiting for something sustainable to actually happen.
I, personally, am not sure what to feel about the H and h since I felt like they were just kind of...there.
This may not have worked out for me as I anticipated, but it may for you.
I could not get my head into this one. I found myself skipping a lot and kind of just waiting for something sustainable to actually happen.
I, personally, am not sure what to feel about the H and h since I felt like they were just kind of...there.
This may not have worked out for me as I anticipated, but it may for you.
September 8, 2025
Blake Orbison was an NFL player until his knee got mangled. Now he's pursuing a second career as a property magnate, building a luxury resort, the Wild Horse Resort, in north Idaho. Blake has had the good times and good time girls. Now he is ready to settle down and start a family and he has a checklist of the attributes he is looking for in a wife. Someone quiet, elegant, with a serious career (so she's not a gold-digger). What he doesn't want is someone wild, someone reckless, a bad girl like Dakota Savage.
Dakota and her business partner Evan are contracted to paint the new Wild Horse Resort, but when short-sighted Dakota decides to go swimming in the lake off the resort she doesn't realise that the sexy man she flirts with is none other than her boss. Dakota has had a hard life. Abandoned by her mother, the daughter of a criminal, vilified by the town and her half-brother was killed while on active duty with the army. Having escaped the constraints of north Idaho and the narrow-minded townspeople once, she has been forced to return after her half-brother's father, Russ, is crippled by an accident on one of Blake's sites. She dreams of being able to clear the mortgage arrears and making enough money to return to Portland and devote her life full-time to creating her stained glass.
Although Dakota is nothing like the woman Blake wants for a wife, he can't seem to get her out of his mind. But as their friendship develops he discovers just how vicious and myopic the people of Wild Horse can be.
I've loved the trope of the rich boy with the girl from the wrong side of the tracks ever since I saw Pretty in Pink and (in a very oblique way) this kind of reminds me of that film. Dakota and her family have been called names her entire life (not all of them undeserved), she is used to having her hopes and dreams stomped all over. How can she feel attraction for a man who condones unsafe work practices and left her step-father a cripple? But as she gets to know Blake she finds more to like.
Despite his plans for a Stepford Wife (my editorialising), Blake is fascinated by Dakota and likes her step-father. Intrigued by her artwork and keen to get to know the woman he is drawn deeper and deeper but their friendship stirs up old enmities and Blake's business practices make him new enemies.
Having read this straight after Take Me Back, I was prepared for something slightly darker than her sweet romance series Escape to New Zealand. This is the start of a new series and I am intrigued to see how it will progress; the obvious next story would be Evan's, but I'm not sure how he fits into the Portland Devils series. Alternatively, it could be Aaron but he came across as such a tool that it would be a hard sell IMHO.
Anyway, if you like a semi-broken heroine with tons of issues and a hero who only needs some shining armour to be Prince Charming, a soupcon of suspense set against a fantastic backstory - this is the one for you.
Bumped for re-read in 2025 after the fifth book in the series was published. I seemed to recall this book was a lot darker than it turned out to be on the re-read, also Blake's desire for a proper wife seemed far less of a big thing. Otherwise, still loved it.
Dakota and her business partner Evan are contracted to paint the new Wild Horse Resort, but when short-sighted Dakota decides to go swimming in the lake off the resort she doesn't realise that the sexy man she flirts with is none other than her boss. Dakota has had a hard life. Abandoned by her mother, the daughter of a criminal, vilified by the town and her half-brother was killed while on active duty with the army. Having escaped the constraints of north Idaho and the narrow-minded townspeople once, she has been forced to return after her half-brother's father, Russ, is crippled by an accident on one of Blake's sites. She dreams of being able to clear the mortgage arrears and making enough money to return to Portland and devote her life full-time to creating her stained glass.
Although Dakota is nothing like the woman Blake wants for a wife, he can't seem to get her out of his mind. But as their friendship develops he discovers just how vicious and myopic the people of Wild Horse can be.
I've loved the trope of the rich boy with the girl from the wrong side of the tracks ever since I saw Pretty in Pink and (in a very oblique way) this kind of reminds me of that film. Dakota and her family have been called names her entire life (not all of them undeserved), she is used to having her hopes and dreams stomped all over. How can she feel attraction for a man who condones unsafe work practices and left her step-father a cripple? But as she gets to know Blake she finds more to like.
Despite his plans for a Stepford Wife (my editorialising), Blake is fascinated by Dakota and likes her step-father. Intrigued by her artwork and keen to get to know the woman he is drawn deeper and deeper but their friendship stirs up old enmities and Blake's business practices make him new enemies.
Having read this straight after Take Me Back, I was prepared for something slightly darker than her sweet romance series Escape to New Zealand. This is the start of a new series and I am intrigued to see how it will progress; the obvious next story would be Evan's, but I'm not sure how he fits into the Portland Devils series. Alternatively, it could be Aaron but he came across as such a tool that it would be a hard sell IMHO.
Anyway, if you like a semi-broken heroine with tons of issues and a hero who only needs some shining armour to be Prince Charming, a soupcon of suspense set against a fantastic backstory - this is the one for you.
Bumped for re-read in 2025 after the fifth book in the series was published. I seemed to recall this book was a lot darker than it turned out to be on the re-read, also Blake's desire for a proper wife seemed far less of a big thing. Otherwise, still loved it.
November 16, 2016
Great start to a new series.
Silver-tongued Devil is the first book in a new series by one of my all-time favorite authors, Rosalind James. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every book she has written and she's written quite a few. That said, I think this book is close to the top of my list of favorites. Blake Orbison is the ex-NFL quarterback forced into early retirement due to injury. He comes to Wild Horse, Idaho to open a new resort, where he meets Dakota Savage, who is working at the resort as a painting contractor. With football out of his life and getting a little older, his new life plan is being a business mogul and looking for the perfect wife to settle down with. He has the perfect specimen in mind. Dakota is the exact opposite of what he thinks he wants, but he is very attracted to her. She's a bit wild, sexy, artistic, funny outspoken, beautiful and has a very questionable background. Blake calls her Wild Thing and I can't help but singing that song in my head. She has dreams of traveling the world and has no intention of settling down. This is the story of how they figure out what is really important in life. There are some interesting elements in this story, such as her father figure who is a recovering alcoholic and a truly wonderful, caring person. Dakota is half Native American and the story touches on prejudice, but also how it adds to her beauty and her art. I really liked Blake. Even though he's a shrewd businessman and was an NFL star, he's a pretty down to earth guy with a good sense of humor. Probably because his mom is a minister and kept him pretty humble. He helps Dakota with her lack of self-confidence and self-worth. There's a bit of suspense in this story as well, with someone trying to sabotage the opening of the resort. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more books in the series.
Silver-tongued Devil is the first book in a new series by one of my all-time favorite authors, Rosalind James. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every book she has written and she's written quite a few. That said, I think this book is close to the top of my list of favorites. Blake Orbison is the ex-NFL quarterback forced into early retirement due to injury. He comes to Wild Horse, Idaho to open a new resort, where he meets Dakota Savage, who is working at the resort as a painting contractor. With football out of his life and getting a little older, his new life plan is being a business mogul and looking for the perfect wife to settle down with. He has the perfect specimen in mind. Dakota is the exact opposite of what he thinks he wants, but he is very attracted to her. She's a bit wild, sexy, artistic, funny outspoken, beautiful and has a very questionable background. Blake calls her Wild Thing and I can't help but singing that song in my head. She has dreams of traveling the world and has no intention of settling down. This is the story of how they figure out what is really important in life. There are some interesting elements in this story, such as her father figure who is a recovering alcoholic and a truly wonderful, caring person. Dakota is half Native American and the story touches on prejudice, but also how it adds to her beauty and her art. I really liked Blake. Even though he's a shrewd businessman and was an NFL star, he's a pretty down to earth guy with a good sense of humor. Probably because his mom is a minister and kept him pretty humble. He helps Dakota with her lack of self-confidence and self-worth. There's a bit of suspense in this story as well, with someone trying to sabotage the opening of the resort. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more books in the series.
November 11, 2016
This is such a good book, Rosalind James has excelled herself with this one. It is perhaps not as intense as some of her recent books, yet there is still a tense, thriller, element within it. But it is mostly a relaxed, quite humorous book. It is also very real, you can imagine it all happening.
Blake is a millionaire businessman, he had been a famous NFL football quarterback, and suffered an injury to his knee that destroyed his career. He was already a businessman, and the injury makes him decide he needs to get on with his life, settle down, get married and have a family. He draws up a list of all the qualities he requires in a wife, and starts the search.
Dakota is just about the complete opposite of every quality on his list, but there is an instant spark between them, which both are very keen to resist. She is a prickly character, trying to look after her step-father who has suffered a serious injury and can no longer work. All her money goes to trying to pay off his mortgage, so that he doesn't lose his home. Both Blake and Dakota are wonderfully drawn people, but so are the minor characters. It is delightful how Blake encourages Dakota to make the most of her amazing hobby, helps her lose all her self-doubt about its value, I particularly enjoyed the scene in the art gallery. And the happy ending - perfection!
A lovely story that everyone who enjoys a good book should read.
Blake is a millionaire businessman, he had been a famous NFL football quarterback, and suffered an injury to his knee that destroyed his career. He was already a businessman, and the injury makes him decide he needs to get on with his life, settle down, get married and have a family. He draws up a list of all the qualities he requires in a wife, and starts the search.
Dakota is just about the complete opposite of every quality on his list, but there is an instant spark between them, which both are very keen to resist. She is a prickly character, trying to look after her step-father who has suffered a serious injury and can no longer work. All her money goes to trying to pay off his mortgage, so that he doesn't lose his home. Both Blake and Dakota are wonderfully drawn people, but so are the minor characters. It is delightful how Blake encourages Dakota to make the most of her amazing hobby, helps her lose all her self-doubt about its value, I particularly enjoyed the scene in the art gallery. And the happy ending - perfection!
A lovely story that everyone who enjoys a good book should read.
November 14, 2016
Rosalind James once again proves that she is the queen of writing romances with heart, character and underlying messages stressing the value of family, character and sense of one’s own self worth. For fans of Rosalind James, Silver-Tongued Devil is reliably enjoyable and heart warming filled with a wide cast of characters beginning with the insecure, emotionally scarred Dakota Savage (great name) and former NFL star quarterback Blake Orbison, who seems to have it all but is still floundering a bit to find his footing in life after a knee injury has prematurely ended his football career. For readers new to Ms. James, this book will have them scampering to find her previous books. For what it’s worth, for those readers, I recommend starting with Just This Once, Escape to New Zealand.
This book includes not only the expected romance, but a small mystery which lends more dimension and darkness to the book. Of the secondary characters, I was especially fond of Dakota’s stepfather, Russell Matthews, a man who had taken some wrong terms earlier in life but who turned his life around. He has strong character and hard-earned wisdom. Just as in real life, there are some less likable characters for balance and depth.
I recommend this book for those readers who enjoy a romance that has some depth and shading and, of course, fans of Rosalind James. Her writing style is quite distinctive.
This book includes not only the expected romance, but a small mystery which lends more dimension and darkness to the book. Of the secondary characters, I was especially fond of Dakota’s stepfather, Russell Matthews, a man who had taken some wrong terms earlier in life but who turned his life around. He has strong character and hard-earned wisdom. Just as in real life, there are some less likable characters for balance and depth.
I recommend this book for those readers who enjoy a romance that has some depth and shading and, of course, fans of Rosalind James. Her writing style is quite distinctive.
November 15, 2016
Another excellent story from Rosalind James! While very different from her other books it is still very distinctly hers. I loved Blake and Dakota’s story, it had all my favorite elements, tough guy hero, strong, smart heroine and plenty of interesting people surrounding them. Hopefully that will mean more stories!
Blake thinks he knows what he’s looking for, he thinks he needs to settle down and be an “adult” now that his football career is over and he's looking for a woman who will settle him. Dakota is the opposite of what he thinks he needs. She's fire and passion and wants to travel and explore and be wild. I loved Dakota, she's strong and smart and loving and family oriented (cause we all know that family is more than blood) and though she struggles with knowing her own worth at times she doesn't take any crap from anybody. I loved watching these two develop a relationship, watching them find ways to want what is best for the other unselfishly and realize they might even manage to have it all. I really liked Russell and Evan, I see a story for Evan (pretty please) and maybe even some of Blake’s former team members. In the end though this was a great story of finding love where you least expect it and finding ways to make it work.
Blake thinks he knows what he’s looking for, he thinks he needs to settle down and be an “adult” now that his football career is over and he's looking for a woman who will settle him. Dakota is the opposite of what he thinks he needs. She's fire and passion and wants to travel and explore and be wild. I loved Dakota, she's strong and smart and loving and family oriented (cause we all know that family is more than blood) and though she struggles with knowing her own worth at times she doesn't take any crap from anybody. I loved watching these two develop a relationship, watching them find ways to want what is best for the other unselfishly and realize they might even manage to have it all. I really liked Russell and Evan, I see a story for Evan (pretty please) and maybe even some of Blake’s former team members. In the end though this was a great story of finding love where you least expect it and finding ways to make it work.
November 16, 2016
Another out of the park new series by Rosalind James is the best description of this book. This is the start to a new series by this talented author and it is set in northern Idaho instead of New Zealand.
Blake Orbison is a former football player who has had to leave the game due to a serious knee injury. But he has been successful in business and is in the process of opening a high end resort in rural Wild Horse, Idaho.
Dakota Savage is a talented stained glass artist who doesn’t realize how talented she is as an artist. She is working with a high school friend to help her step-father who was injured in a work related accident. Dakota is a free spirit and is only staying in town because she feels that she owes her step-father for taking her in when she was a teenager. She paints houses during the week and does her art on the weekends. Until she meets Blake.
Both Dakota and Blake have life plans that do not include each other. But as we all know, life always has plans that we do not understand but always work out better. And Dakota and Blake are about to find out that their lives are on a wonderful, fast paced ride.
With the weather cooling down, make yourself a cup of your favorite warm beverage and settle down to enjoy a wonderful read.
Blake Orbison is a former football player who has had to leave the game due to a serious knee injury. But he has been successful in business and is in the process of opening a high end resort in rural Wild Horse, Idaho.
Dakota Savage is a talented stained glass artist who doesn’t realize how talented she is as an artist. She is working with a high school friend to help her step-father who was injured in a work related accident. Dakota is a free spirit and is only staying in town because she feels that she owes her step-father for taking her in when she was a teenager. She paints houses during the week and does her art on the weekends. Until she meets Blake.
Both Dakota and Blake have life plans that do not include each other. But as we all know, life always has plans that we do not understand but always work out better. And Dakota and Blake are about to find out that their lives are on a wonderful, fast paced ride.
With the weather cooling down, make yourself a cup of your favorite warm beverage and settle down to enjoy a wonderful read.
November 16, 2016
Rosalind James continues to amaze, and I find she never disappoints me. This book is the first in a new series. I loved it. Blake and Dakota were quite a pair. Blake had an idea about what he needed in a woman after his NFL career. Dakota had her own ideas about Blake as a person. Both were wrong. They were sweet, funny, and vulnerable.
I loved this book because it was about basically good people that have been through difficult moments in their lives, and were working through them. Her characters are not perfect. They make mistakes. They have baggage. But, they find something in that other person that they haven't found in anyone else.
The great thing about Rosalind James' books is the way she writes a romance. I wish I had the right words for it. You get caught up in the storyline, the romance, the feelings of her characters. It's very easy to lose yourself.. I love the cadence of the dialogue between her characters.
The secondary characters like Russell and Evan make you want books for them too. Just to see where life takes them. Maybe some of Blake's teammates will even get their own book.
In this book, you also get some mystery and suspense. What more can you want?
I loved this book because it was about basically good people that have been through difficult moments in their lives, and were working through them. Her characters are not perfect. They make mistakes. They have baggage. But, they find something in that other person that they haven't found in anyone else.
The great thing about Rosalind James' books is the way she writes a romance. I wish I had the right words for it. You get caught up in the storyline, the romance, the feelings of her characters. It's very easy to lose yourself.. I love the cadence of the dialogue between her characters.
The secondary characters like Russell and Evan make you want books for them too. Just to see where life takes them. Maybe some of Blake's teammates will even get their own book.
In this book, you also get some mystery and suspense. What more can you want?
November 16, 2016
A great story to start a great new series. If you are unfamiliar with Rosalind's books, this is a good place to start. Once you start though, be prepared to read all the other books in her different series.
This was a pleasant surprise of a new series. Blake and Dakota are quite comical with one another. It's a love/hate relationship. But more of a lust relationship to begin with. Dakota has had a rough upbringing, but has established herself with her painting business with her stepdad, Russell and also trying to establish her stained glass business as well. He is a super supportive "dad" and very protective. So, once Blake starts showing up and hiring her to paint his house, he is very skeptical of him.
Dakota is a free spirit and is up for the challenge that is Blake. He had his mind set on what his life should look like post-NFL - wife, kids, home. However, Dakota certainly makes him see his life in a different light.
There is humor, suspense and a lot of romance in this story. I loved Blake and Dakota, but also really loved Russell. Such a strong character and he really brought the "family" aspect of the story to light.
This was a pleasant surprise of a new series. Blake and Dakota are quite comical with one another. It's a love/hate relationship. But more of a lust relationship to begin with. Dakota has had a rough upbringing, but has established herself with her painting business with her stepdad, Russell and also trying to establish her stained glass business as well. He is a super supportive "dad" and very protective. So, once Blake starts showing up and hiring her to paint his house, he is very skeptical of him.
Dakota is a free spirit and is up for the challenge that is Blake. He had his mind set on what his life should look like post-NFL - wife, kids, home. However, Dakota certainly makes him see his life in a different light.
There is humor, suspense and a lot of romance in this story. I loved Blake and Dakota, but also really loved Russell. Such a strong character and he really brought the "family" aspect of the story to light.
September 13, 2022
I love being able to download a book pack from audible. Good value for money for sure!! So with hours of travel in the car what better way to while away the hours?
Dakota the heroine is the hardworking, loyal and creative type. However, life has not let her expand on her creativity. She mourns her half brother, cares for her "father" who was her half brothers dad. She is also burdened with a reputation she never earned! Her mother ran off, her dad is an indigenous law breaker and her step dad the town alcoholic. Lots of things to take in here.
The hero, Blake really annoyed me. Such a hypocrite until he works himself out. He is looking for a Stepford wife by the sound of it while flirting and trying to get Dakota to "spend time" with him without looking at her like the wife he wants to have. No, she is the one you have sex with not marry. I like how Dakota didn't just fall at his feet.
When he realises her potential I can't think of a better way to describe it, he tries to remove obstacles for her and set up her confidence on selling her art. He basically trained her to think better of herself. At this point he is a much better hero!
Dakota the heroine is the hardworking, loyal and creative type. However, life has not let her expand on her creativity. She mourns her half brother, cares for her "father" who was her half brothers dad. She is also burdened with a reputation she never earned! Her mother ran off, her dad is an indigenous law breaker and her step dad the town alcoholic. Lots of things to take in here.
The hero, Blake really annoyed me. Such a hypocrite until he works himself out. He is looking for a Stepford wife by the sound of it while flirting and trying to get Dakota to "spend time" with him without looking at her like the wife he wants to have. No, she is the one you have sex with not marry. I like how Dakota didn't just fall at his feet.
When he realises her potential I can't think of a better way to describe it, he tries to remove obstacles for her and set up her confidence on selling her art. He basically trained her to think better of herself. At this point he is a much better hero!
November 15, 2016
4.5 Stars
What a great start to a new series. It's different to any other Rosalind James book but I have to say Portland Devils looks like it's going to be a must read series. This book has it all the tough hero, strong sassy smart heroine and lots of interesting secondary characters that I hope all get their own stories.
Blake's football career is over so it's time to step up be the successful businessman run his companies and maybe find a woman who will settle him. Dakota could be that woman but she wants to explore and have some fun, in fact she wants the life that Blake had before injury finished his football career. Will love find a common ground for these two .....
I loved Dakota she was so strong in many ways yet insecure when it comes to her art, I loved how family orientated she is even though that family was not blood related, I loved her for standing up for what she believes in. Yes I love this character. Her relationship with Blake is not rushed and that's perfect for this love story. I can't wait for more in this series.
What a great start to a new series. It's different to any other Rosalind James book but I have to say Portland Devils looks like it's going to be a must read series. This book has it all the tough hero, strong sassy smart heroine and lots of interesting secondary characters that I hope all get their own stories.
Blake's football career is over so it's time to step up be the successful businessman run his companies and maybe find a woman who will settle him. Dakota could be that woman but she wants to explore and have some fun, in fact she wants the life that Blake had before injury finished his football career. Will love find a common ground for these two .....
I loved Dakota she was so strong in many ways yet insecure when it comes to her art, I loved how family orientated she is even though that family was not blood related, I loved her for standing up for what she believes in. Yes I love this character. Her relationship with Blake is not rushed and that's perfect for this love story. I can't wait for more in this series.
November 15, 2016
Rosalind James’ books keep getting better and better. This newest edition in a brand-new series, Portland Devils, Book 1, is a must read.
The love story between Blake and Dakota is mesmerizing. Now that his football career is over, Blake thinks that he needs to settle down with a “normal” woman. But he meets Dakota and is immediately drawn to her even though he has vowed to stop letting his “wild” side go. Dakota, on the other hand, has had a rough go at love and life. She’s a tough nut with plenty of spunk and not interested in being a toy. Or being disappointed again.
The story is so endearing because you get to see a lot from Blake’s side. He is completely enamored with Dakota. He couldn’t stop his heart even if he wanted to.
There is also some intrigue and danger. Some very raw and emotional moments also. And lest we not forget, some very steamy encounters. The book is not boring. It also has rich character development of the smaller players in the book.
The love story between Blake and Dakota is mesmerizing. Now that his football career is over, Blake thinks that he needs to settle down with a “normal” woman. But he meets Dakota and is immediately drawn to her even though he has vowed to stop letting his “wild” side go. Dakota, on the other hand, has had a rough go at love and life. She’s a tough nut with plenty of spunk and not interested in being a toy. Or being disappointed again.
The story is so endearing because you get to see a lot from Blake’s side. He is completely enamored with Dakota. He couldn’t stop his heart even if he wanted to.
There is also some intrigue and danger. Some very raw and emotional moments also. And lest we not forget, some very steamy encounters. The book is not boring. It also has rich character development of the smaller players in the book.
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