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Simmer Down, Red
Lovina McCalla is small and feisty, with a free-owned deed on a homestead, which makes most men judge her worth by her property, not as a woman. Her life is hard but she still dreams. She imagines a man resembling the ones in the novels she reads. Her hero would be a smart man who would see past her godawful orange-red hair and skinny frame to notice the woman under the outside façade of toughness. She wants someone to look past her rough edges, and treat her like a lady. A man she can trust. He could even be bit of a scoundrel as long as he makes her swoon like the damsels in her books. Nathaniel Forrester has a past that haunts him but he intends to leave it behind. He has taken control of his life, and he has plans, but there is one little problem standing in his a walking temper tantrum with flaming red hair and eyes so blue a man could drown in them. One look and Nate is smitten. He doesn’t need refinement and gentility in a woman if he can build a blaze of passion between the sheets with a certain red-headed spitfire. Publisher’s This book contains elements of power exchange and old-fashioned discipline.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2017
42 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 2, 2017
PROMISES DON’T MEAN MUCH—ACTIONS MATTER
I enjoyed this story that has a large cast of characters, plenty of angst, and action, and covers the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. The story is a journey for several people, and it comes with anger, bitterness, deceit, and heartache, but also has new beginnings, and putting the past behind them. While the main part of the story is Nate and Lovina, it also includes other family members, friends, and various people in the town, but they all play a role in this tale.
Widow Lovina McCalla has done her best to keep the ranch running by herself, but she did most of the work before her husband had died. Now she must fend off his younger brother who wants to marry her to take possession of the ranch and she is having nothing to do with Donal McCalla. She is disappointed in her other brother-in-law, Killian McCalla for try to encourage the marriage.
Nathaniel Forrester is a man with a past that has haunted him. While he served in the Union army, he was captured and a prisoner of war in a Confederate camp. Moving to California as a newspaperman, he found himself falsely accused of a crime, and sentenced to prison until the true criminal was caught. Now all he wants to do is claim some property and become a rancher. Buying up land, he would like to add the claim owned by the widow McCalla.
The plot will have Nate going to the McCalla homestead and finding Donal attempting to rape Lovina. He will rescue her, and this will be the beginning for them. While he has several options, there is an instant connection between Nate and Lovina. When he learns her in-laws are trying to force a marriage, he will make her an offer, and she will accept.
“He was offering her kindness, protection, and marriage. Nate Forrester was appealing to all her senses.” “She was a young woman who had already survived hard times and still she had a wild spirit.”
The story will have Nate and Lovina marrying within twenty-four hours of meeting. There are some who are very unhappy and determined to continue causing trouble. There is a chemistry between Nate and Lovina that never stops throughout the story. He is determined she will change her ways, not use the foul language and to once again dress and act like a lady. There will be no more field work; she can take care of the house, her garden, along with the milk cow and chickens. Together, they will pull her homestead, along with the land he had acquired and created the L & N ranch.
I like that Nate and Lovina are honest in talking with each other. He tells her about his past, with the divorcee who bedded him and introduced him to carnal pleasures, his time in the military, his job with the newspaper, and his false arrest and imprisonment. She will be open about her unhappy, unfulfilling marriage, how her late husband was lazy and would do things to get out of work, and how it all fell on her. Her marital relations had been a burden and never a pleasure.
Together, they will have a passionate marriage, with a very healthy and adventurous sex life. The story has several spanking scenes, including different men taking their woman in hand. The sex scenes are explicit and full of passion.
I enjoyed this story that has a large cast of characters, plenty of angst, and action, and covers the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. The story is a journey for several people, and it comes with anger, bitterness, deceit, and heartache, but also has new beginnings, and putting the past behind them. While the main part of the story is Nate and Lovina, it also includes other family members, friends, and various people in the town, but they all play a role in this tale.
Widow Lovina McCalla has done her best to keep the ranch running by herself, but she did most of the work before her husband had died. Now she must fend off his younger brother who wants to marry her to take possession of the ranch and she is having nothing to do with Donal McCalla. She is disappointed in her other brother-in-law, Killian McCalla for try to encourage the marriage.
Nathaniel Forrester is a man with a past that has haunted him. While he served in the Union army, he was captured and a prisoner of war in a Confederate camp. Moving to California as a newspaperman, he found himself falsely accused of a crime, and sentenced to prison until the true criminal was caught. Now all he wants to do is claim some property and become a rancher. Buying up land, he would like to add the claim owned by the widow McCalla.
The plot will have Nate going to the McCalla homestead and finding Donal attempting to rape Lovina. He will rescue her, and this will be the beginning for them. While he has several options, there is an instant connection between Nate and Lovina. When he learns her in-laws are trying to force a marriage, he will make her an offer, and she will accept.
“He was offering her kindness, protection, and marriage. Nate Forrester was appealing to all her senses.” “She was a young woman who had already survived hard times and still she had a wild spirit.”
The story will have Nate and Lovina marrying within twenty-four hours of meeting. There are some who are very unhappy and determined to continue causing trouble. There is a chemistry between Nate and Lovina that never stops throughout the story. He is determined she will change her ways, not use the foul language and to once again dress and act like a lady. There will be no more field work; she can take care of the house, her garden, along with the milk cow and chickens. Together, they will pull her homestead, along with the land he had acquired and created the L & N ranch.
I like that Nate and Lovina are honest in talking with each other. He tells her about his past, with the divorcee who bedded him and introduced him to carnal pleasures, his time in the military, his job with the newspaper, and his false arrest and imprisonment. She will be open about her unhappy, unfulfilling marriage, how her late husband was lazy and would do things to get out of work, and how it all fell on her. Her marital relations had been a burden and never a pleasure.
Together, they will have a passionate marriage, with a very healthy and adventurous sex life. The story has several spanking scenes, including different men taking their woman in hand. The sex scenes are explicit and full of passion.
October 22, 2017
What a marvelous book! The main characters, Nate and Lovina, were not a typical couple falling in love. However, in their own ways they saved each other and gave the other a purpose and way to move forward and away from unpleasant and tragic pasts. The secondary characters also play a large part in the storyline. Cliff, Agetha, Agetha's children, Killian, Elsa, Killianna, Donal, Nial, and more characters help the storyline move and stay interesting and exciting. They helped to show that peoples pasts are not always what they seem. The storyline was interesting and the characters developed. Some you love, some you hate, some you feel sorry for, and others you hope for their future, but they all keep the story moving, exciting, and interesting. With love, friendships, family, mystery, crime, feisty females, protective males, and plenty of spankings to go around, this story is well worth the read. My favorite part was watching the family dynamic between Nate, Lovina, and their extended family and the sense of community coming together in times of need. Overall, I highly recommend this wonderful story. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
November 6, 2017
Beauty from ashes!
A wonderful book and I am so glad I volunteered to read the ARC copy to give my review.
As usual with Mariella Starr's books it is a full-length novel, allowing more time to get to know and fall in love with the characters.
Her book is quite detailed and I love the way Nate and Lavina met. Even though something horrible would have happened if Nate wasn't there to help. Something beautiful happened. Every woman in her right mind would love to meet and marry like Nate. His brother is great too! However, Nate is my favorite.
Another great thing about the book is it is full of actions, twist turns and events to keep you guessing. Several things happened during the book that I didn't expect. And was amazed when they unfolded.
This book is not like most books as it kept me on the edge of my seat during the entire read and I could hardly put it down. Excited wondering what the next page would bring as this book has it all.
Nate promises not to take what she has and will put her name on his property too. He also promises to be faithful to her. This would be a rare find for a man or woman these day. And she will learn she can trust him!
Nate both have their past to live with that has changed them both and pop its ugly head up from time to time to remind them.
Also, back in this era many people didn't have much a family left. So they make their own family who are also best friends. The only real kin in this family is Lavina's sister-in-law through her deceased husband. And Nate's brother. The rest is true friends that complete the family.
This book is full of characters and contains the lives of 3 couples and another most likely in the making.
Truly, a well written and thought out book. Thanks for the opportunity to review it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
I voluntarily reviewed using an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook.
A wonderful book and I am so glad I volunteered to read the ARC copy to give my review.
As usual with Mariella Starr's books it is a full-length novel, allowing more time to get to know and fall in love with the characters.
Her book is quite detailed and I love the way Nate and Lavina met. Even though something horrible would have happened if Nate wasn't there to help. Something beautiful happened. Every woman in her right mind would love to meet and marry like Nate. His brother is great too! However, Nate is my favorite.
Another great thing about the book is it is full of actions, twist turns and events to keep you guessing. Several things happened during the book that I didn't expect. And was amazed when they unfolded.
This book is not like most books as it kept me on the edge of my seat during the entire read and I could hardly put it down. Excited wondering what the next page would bring as this book has it all.
Nate promises not to take what she has and will put her name on his property too. He also promises to be faithful to her. This would be a rare find for a man or woman these day. And she will learn she can trust him!
Nate both have their past to live with that has changed them both and pop its ugly head up from time to time to remind them.
Also, back in this era many people didn't have much a family left. So they make their own family who are also best friends. The only real kin in this family is Lavina's sister-in-law through her deceased husband. And Nate's brother. The rest is true friends that complete the family.
This book is full of characters and contains the lives of 3 couples and another most likely in the making.
Truly, a well written and thought out book. Thanks for the opportunity to review it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
I voluntarily reviewed using an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook.
October 24, 2017
5.0 out of 5 starsEntertaining Romance
ByDonna Lon October 23, 2017
I love Mariella Starr's books and again I was not disappointed.This story
is very entertaining with a great cast of secondary characters.I was
immediately drawn to Lovina and Nate and the setting,they have the kind
of relationship that develops believably.I delighted in the time and location,
historical western romance's are a favorite of mine.The plot has danger,
romance,passion,suspense,tragedy,hot sex and plenty of spanking's.
Nate Forrester was down on his luck after being accused of a crime he
did not do,what he needed was a new start in a new town.Lovina McCalla's
life had been without love or affection,now a widow she was looking for a
husband.Nate arrived just in time to save Lovina from her brother-in-law
unwanted advances.Nate was just what Lovina needed,he was protective,
reliable,sexy,loving but with a penchant for spanking Lovina when she was
out of line which was often given her temper and potty mouth.The secondary
characters were a big part of this story and I would love to read a sequel.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
ByDonna Lon October 23, 2017
I love Mariella Starr's books and again I was not disappointed.This story
is very entertaining with a great cast of secondary characters.I was
immediately drawn to Lovina and Nate and the setting,they have the kind
of relationship that develops believably.I delighted in the time and location,
historical western romance's are a favorite of mine.The plot has danger,
romance,passion,suspense,tragedy,hot sex and plenty of spanking's.
Nate Forrester was down on his luck after being accused of a crime he
did not do,what he needed was a new start in a new town.Lovina McCalla's
life had been without love or affection,now a widow she was looking for a
husband.Nate arrived just in time to save Lovina from her brother-in-law
unwanted advances.Nate was just what Lovina needed,he was protective,
reliable,sexy,loving but with a penchant for spanking Lovina when she was
out of line which was often given her temper and potty mouth.The secondary
characters were a big part of this story and I would love to read a sequel.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
October 19, 2017
An interesting historical romance novel. Nate and Lovina do not begin as a love match, more a match of convenience. They are the main couple in the book, but there are also other couples.
If course all the men believe in disciplining their wives. As the men and women fall in love with their partners, it would be considered instalove in a contemporary romance. Because this was historical and life was difficult, the speed of their relationships seemed more normal.
No worries. They are plenty of steamy scenes included in the book. Also, there is a little mystery, some suspense, and intrigue.
This book had so many side stories, there is more than enough to keep you entertained. It is not a short, quick read. The pace is steady and I read it over a couple of days.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
If course all the men believe in disciplining their wives. As the men and women fall in love with their partners, it would be considered instalove in a contemporary romance. Because this was historical and life was difficult, the speed of their relationships seemed more normal.
No worries. They are plenty of steamy scenes included in the book. Also, there is a little mystery, some suspense, and intrigue.
This book had so many side stories, there is more than enough to keep you entertained. It is not a short, quick read. The pace is steady and I read it over a couple of days.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
October 19, 2017
Lovina is dreaming of a hero. It is not easy for her to take care of her property. Nate is out of prison for a while and he happens to rescue Lovina when she is attacked by Donal who wants to marry her. Nate makes it clear to Donal that if a woman says no she means no. Lovina is thankful for her rescue and she feels very attracted to Nate. Everything would be wonderful, but Donal will not give up.
I loved the story and the characters. Simmer Down, Red is a well written historical love story that drew me in from page one. The intimate scenes were very hot and I enjoyed reading the book very much.
I loved the story and the characters. Simmer Down, Red is a well written historical love story that drew me in from page one. The intimate scenes were very hot and I enjoyed reading the book very much.
October 20, 2017
This is a wonderful story. The lead characters, Lovina and Nathaniel, are likable, intelligent, and believable. The supporting characters are also interesting and believable. The story covers a period of about 2 years in ranch land in Nebraska around 1869 and relates the meeting of Lovina and Nathaniel, their decision to marry, and the development of their relationship with a lot of love and a fair amount of spanking. There are bad guys who create problems for them, and a number of side stories also involving other couples who fall in love. All in all, a really enjoyable book that ends with an HEA.
October 19, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. This is a good western with spanking. It is a really good read. Nice and long with 4 spanking couples. It deals with loss, betrayal, murder, abuse, hope and love. Full of dominant, alpha men and the women who love them. Historical, spanking, western romance.
December 15, 2017
A stand alone book that due to the length really allows you to get involved in the characters & their lives. This historical novel includes a number of unexpected twists & turns throughout the story and provides a good, interesting read with wonderful characters in an interesting setting. A lovely read if you are looking to sink into a story if you have a few hours to fill.
October 21, 2017
Simmer down Red
I was looking forward to reading this book, I'm sad to say that although there was a great story it consisted of more sex scenes than spanking ones and they really didn't add to the plot etc, sometimes imagination on the readers behalf is better than the written word. I would like to see a follow-up but with more spanking scenes
I was looking forward to reading this book, I'm sad to say that although there was a great story it consisted of more sex scenes than spanking ones and they really didn't add to the plot etc, sometimes imagination on the readers behalf is better than the written word. I would like to see a follow-up but with more spanking scenes
December 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this story about several strong leading ladies finding independence and love in the old west. Lovina takes a wild chance with a stranger, and the plot with her previous suitor kept me in suspense the whole book! This was a really fun read with just the right amount of sugar and spice.
November 3, 2017
What a touching book! Ms. Starr knows how to write a story with fully developed characters. The story was fully engaging (and pretty sexy too)! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
February 29, 2020
A Great Story
I have read a lot of her books and they are always exciting. Never a dull moment. This was a story about a newly wed couple who put their troubles behind them to form a new family.
I have read a lot of her books and they are always exciting. Never a dull moment. This was a story about a newly wed couple who put their troubles behind them to form a new family.
February 23, 2024
Loved it!
What a great book! A fantastic story that tells the true meaning family and love. Long enough that you feel like you get to know the whole story, not a word count. I would love to know what happens next in the lives of the characters.
What a great book! A fantastic story that tells the true meaning family and love. Long enough that you feel like you get to know the whole story, not a word count. I would love to know what happens next in the lives of the characters.
October 29, 2017
This was such a hit a very engaging story with characters that really draw you into the story. Lovina is really in a bad spot she ia a widow with one deadbeat brother who thinks she owes him her land and herself. Another brother in law who means well but is too busy with his handfull of a wife to see that encouraging Lovina to marry his only living brother will be the worst thing for her.
Along comes Nate just in time to save her from Donal and see what a wonderful woman she is, it starts as a marrige of convenience but turns into so much more.
Lots of twists and turns, some tragedy and tales of survival. If I could would give ten stars!!
Along comes Nate just in time to save her from Donal and see what a wonderful woman she is, it starts as a marrige of convenience but turns into so much more.
Lots of twists and turns, some tragedy and tales of survival. If I could would give ten stars!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews