Lion shifter Gabriel Russel knew what the future held for him. As the only male in his family, he was expected to marry a lioness worthy of his name and create a lasting alliance to expand their Pride’s influence and power. However, when fate brings him his beautiful mate, he knew there was no way he was going to bend to his pride’s will. Of course, he also has to convince his human mate that they were meant to be together, but surely, he could win her easily with his charms, right?
A scarred woman, starting her life over after tragedy.
A tragic event in the past has left deep scars--emotional and physical--on Temperance Pettigrew and her confidence has been left in tatters. Still, she’s managed to pick herself up and start again in Blackstone, Colorado. But when Gabriel literally crashes into her kitchen, she’s not sure what to do or even what he wants. He follows her around, sends her gifts, and is inserting himself into every aspect of her life. Her broken soul tells her this can only end in heartbreak, but Gabriel seems determined to tear down all her walls.
Though Gabriel and Temperance grow closer, outside forces are determined to keep them apart. Can Gabriel convince her that despite her scars, she’s the only woman for him? Can Temperance trust him not to break her heart?
New favourite series alert! I’m hooked on this series. I love its atmosphere, the characters, and the little bits of suspense throughout the storyline. Gabriel and Temperance’s love story is oh so freaking cute. And funny. They’re complete opposites--Gabriel is rich and Temperance came from nothing. Gabriel is drop-dead gorgeous, and while Temperance is beautiful, she has awful burn scars from an accident when she was a teenager. Gabriel is charming and charismatic and Temperance is shy and quiet. They’re two sides of the same coin. They’re mates. I loved how there was a backdoor introduction to the potential for Gabriel to find his love interest in the kitchen of Rosie’s bakery in the end of the first book in this series. And there’s an introduction to the next couple at the end of this one. It’s a super sneaky way to make sure I’ll pick up the next book immediately.
I loved how Gabriel lost all his charm! Yes, he's the one who charms the ladies of all ages, but when he meets Temperance and realizes she's his mate, his protective/possessive instincts overrule all his charm. He relentlessly pursues her until he realizes that might not be the most effective game plan.
Temperance has good reasons - both physical and emotional - to be a bit shy and reluctant to accept Gabriel's ardent attentions. I laughed so hard at the brilliant move when Gabriel gets Fred involved! What an unusual matchmaker, but it works!
I enjoyed the pacing of this story, how the threats against them both played out, and how quickly their love grew once they got over their initial hesitations. This author is really gifted at making each book a standalone romance while also including characters from both previous and future books in a way that reminds us it's all one terrific community with real-world interactions.
The Blackstone fictional world is just so much fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed this latest sojourn in this magical locale. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
We met Gabriel, the charmer, in the first Blackstone Ranger book. I thought then he would be an interesting character. I was right! Gabriel is the only male of 6 children. His pride is led by his older sister. The women rule the roost. This ends up being a problem when Gabriel finally meets the one for him, his mate. Temperance has only been in town a few months when they meet. She is very self conscious of what she sees as a disfigurement and doesn’t believe Gabriel could really be interested in her. Throw in crazy exes of both characters, meddling sisters and you have mayhem happening to keep them apart. (I volunteered to read an advanced review copy of this book and I was not obligated to leave this review). But I was glad to!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Loved visiting Blackstone Mountain and Rosie's Place, seeing old friends. Alicia pulls you into the story so that you don't want to put the book down and I didn't until I finished it. She has a way of twisting the plot just when you think you have everything figured out but that's what keeps us coming back. I love both of her shifter series in two different towns even though they are not connected.
I loved this book. I adored Gabriel in book one. Sure he's a bit of flirt and playboy, but this title has it right. He's a charmer. And I love a book that shows it just takes one woman to tame a man like this. Temperance is a strong and beautiful woman, whether she agrees or not. She has been hurt deeply in life and she doesn't see her light. Gabriel does right away. Especially when he realizes she's his mate. He does whatever he can to be with her. She doesn't make it easy. Just when the walls are coming down, dirt bags from the past show up and throw a wrench in their happiness. Never under estimate true love, especially when a lion shifter is involved. This story had me hooked from the start to the end. I loved their story. As always this narrator was the perfect voice. She made me feel the story.
Well I knew based on Gabriel's character from book 1 that I wanted his book and I'm glad I didn't have to wait. Gabriel is the charming friend of Damon's and fellow Ranger. He's a charmer for sure but no one sees past his charm until he meets Temperance, his mate! Complete opposites but have some surprising similarities.
What I l love most about this series is each book is entertaining, doesn't drag out the plot and a quick read/listen.
I enjoy the audiobooks and Tara Langella's voice is very easy to listen to!
Gabriel was not the way I expected him to be in this book, and I was literally laughing out loud at him. I forgot about Temperance and her history. I loved it and actually read from beginning to end because I could not put it down. I volunteered to read an advanced copy of this book.
This series is addictive! I loved Damon and Anna Victoria from the first book and now I’ve just listened to Gabriel and Temperance’s story. What I like about the mating romance is true beauty, all the shifters are presented as attractive making a lot of the humans feel inferior to them and unworthy of their love and attention but their animal shows them what’s on the inside. Gabriel and his lion make Temperance see herself in a new light and show her, her scars can’t hold her back from moving forward.
DNF - quit at 43% I read book 1 & liked Gabriel as a secondary character in that book, so was interested in his story in this book. But he didn’t come across as the same guy from book 1. I didn’t like him in this book -at all, & I wasn’t very happy with Temperance, either. Both characters were just not great. Their story was just dragging on so slowly & I just didn’t care what happened anymore. I will not be continuing with the series.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
Gabriel is one of the Blackstone Rangers in Colorado and he is the youngest child among his siblings. He has been living a luxurious life since he was a child but instead of working at his family business, he stayed in Colorado to help his friend. He has been coming at the bakery to eat the amazing pies and he cannot seem to get enough of its taste. His beast becomes restless as Temperance met a tragic accident that left her with scars. She was used to people staring at her and giving her pitying looks. She left the city to start a new life as a baker at the bakery. However, she was not expecting that the handsome shifter may take an interest on her. Gabriel wants to know more about his mate but she is reluctant to let him in. He wants to show his love to her Temperance cannot believe how much Gabriel wants to pursue her because she is not beautiful unlike others. Her lack of confidence towards herself made it hard to believe that what Gabriel feels for her might not last but little did she know that Gabriel will do everything for Temperance to see her worth. As they spend more time with each other, Temperance cannot help but to fall for Gabriel and ignite the sparks as they share a kiss. Until the past hinders their relationship from moving forward, they struggle to maintain the connection as the past seems to break them apart. The story is well-written and I like how the main characters were able to show their feelings by not acting like an immature person. I love how Gabriel was able to see how much he loves Temperance by being beside her. I wished there was an epilogue scenes showing their future life as a married couple and staying in love. Overall, I enjoyed reading the story of Temperance and Gabriel.
This is the second in the Blackstone Rangers series but don’t feel like you have to read the first. While I recommend it, it isn’t necessary. Alicia writes in a way you can pick up a story of hers and it stands on its own. I loved Gabriel’s story. I love how he was misunderstood and taken advantage of by Vicky. Made him flawed in a good way. The frogs 🐸🐸 lol. He had to show a side of him few got to see. It was refreshing to see that while the man is an alpha shifter, he wanted so much to just be himself. He didn’t want all his family had and tried to forge his own way. That in itself is an admirable trait in this male lead. Temperance is one of my favorite females Alicia has written. I just fell in love with her background, heart, and growth. She is amazing. She had a lot to overcome and relearn trust and what unconditional love is. Alicia captured all Temperance was feeling in a way that made you root for her and cheer when she got so much in the end. This story showed the mate bond in a new light. It shown on the secrecy and intimacy of the moment. The side characters are fabulous! Ginny, and all the Russel sisters just added to the humor for Gabriel in my opinion. Rosie also stole my heart in this story. I just want her to have a happily ever after. I loved it as always! Such a great world to be back in. Five twirling pointe shoes for this shifter paranormal read.
A scarred heroine in a lovely romance 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I thoroughly enjoyed this paranormal romance with a scarred heroine and a gorgeous, charming lion shifter hero. The angst level is fairly low, and the small number of bedroom scenes are steamy. Plus, with the lovable heroine’s baking career, I got to hear about delicious pie! The author has a real gift for character dynamics and relationship development, so the plot never feels stale. I think this Blackstone Ranger series is one of the best shifter PNR series I have ever read. The characters are vivacious and sometimes funny, the small town setting is cozy, and the narrator is top notch. I highly recommend this book and the series to all fans of paranormal romance.
The narrator Tara Langella is amazing. She has a very pleasing tone, and she is marvelously talented at both men’s and women’s voices. She makes action scenes sound very exciting, and she is wonderful at emotional nuance and humor. I am highly impressed at her performance.
I requested and received a free audiobook copy via #AudiobookObsession and the Flock VIP Review Team, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
I really enjoyed this story! This is the second book in the series but you can read it as a standalone with no issues. I loved getting to know Gabriel better in this story and finding out who makes the mysterious crazy pie flavors. Gabriel is a great guy and we get to see him figure out how to get Temperance to give him a chance. She has not had things easy and with her scars, she thinks there is no chance that Gabriel could ever truly want to be with her. He has his work cut out for him in getting her to believe that he sees past the scars. Gabriel knows that she is his mate as soon as he sees her but she is a human so has no idea that this is the case. They are drawn to each other from the beginning but they have to deal with baggage that living life brings. I liked how Gabriel just kept showing up to show Temperance that he wasn't going to go away and that he meant what he said. I liked the interactions between these two characters and the way that they built their relationship. I had a lot of fun reading this one and I can't wait for the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Borrowed From KINDLE UNLIMITED Title: Blackstone Ranger Charmer Series: Blackstone Rangers #2 Release Date: #AlreadyReleased Author: Alicia Montgomery Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan Serial: Standalone, No Cliffhanger Genre:#PRN #LionShifter ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ •••••••••••••• 💢Absolutely Phenomenal we have Magical Fireworks with your dream boyfriend. Everything you can think of is in this book-Adventure, Survival, Fear, Jealousy, Betrayal, Action Packed, Loyalty, Hate, Love, Intimacy, Hero's and Strong Heroine's. 🔹️ Gabriel Russel is a LionShifter who loves to eat. But then what shifter didn’t. The thing is he went to Rosie’s for a reason but seriously he didn’t know why. Another thing the lies are mind blowing who made them? 🔹️ Temperance Pettigrew was burnt at a young age. She tried to hide, shrink from the world. Busting her man was the last, so she left Chicago going to Blackstone, Colorado to bake her pies at Rosies. How many different kinds of pies can she make? ☄️ This review is my own opinion, this author is one that I love to read her books
He’s Pretty,a Charmer. He’s Protective A Friend to all Has a passion for Pie He couldn’t be anyone other than Gabriel Russel
Gabriel’s story is Outstanding , his character is so well thought out , he’s the perfect pretty boy of the town. All the girls eyes follow him but he only sees one person now.
Temperance has led a very difficult and challenging life, leaving her with physical and emotional injuries. Her new friendly stalker is freaking her out, and she has trouble finding a reason he’d want her.
Can the two of them be the perfect couple ,can Gabriel make her see that he loves her no matter what?
Your in for a real treat, tension and passion in spades . Another wonderful book to lose yourself in for a few hours. Excellent characters and addictive storyline too. I adore this series, Alicia is my go to for shifter books , her writing always leaves me wanting more.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Blackstone Ranger Charmer by Alicia Montgomery is a paranormal romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Tara Langella.
This is the second book in the Blackstone Rangers series and can be read as stand-alone. However, I would recommend reading in order since the books are inter-connected.
This is the second book of Alicia’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. She did a great job pulling me into the story. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Gabriel and Temperance.
I can’t wait to listen to the next book in the series Blackstone Ranger Hero so I can get Daniel and Sarah’s story.
Tara did a great job on the narration. I liked that she used different/tones voices for each character. It really brought the story to life. I look forward to listening to more of her work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you like paranormal romances or romantic suspense.
Good second book. I am never a fan of weak, woe is me, I’m not good enough for him heroines, who cannot stand up for themselves. Temperance is a classic case of this attitude, at first. But luckily she turns out to have some gumption and strength. Gabriel has never had to try hard for anything. Being rich, extremely good looking and charming, has made his life easy. Meeting his mate in Temperance, a human with both physical and emotional damage, he has to learn how to gain her trust. Not being honest at first was not the way to go about it. A rocky road with interference from family, demented exes and a gnome named Fred, made this an entertaining read to get to their HEA. Loved how the idiots were dealt with. I was kindly offered this book for an honest review. I chose to read it through Kindle Unlimited.
Blackstone Ranger Charmer by Alicia Montgomery is a captivating,entertaining,sweet,steamy and heartwarming shifter romance story of Gabriel a rich lion shifter and a mountain ranger..Temperance is a beautiful curvy woman.. a scarred woman with a broken heart and went to Blackstone to start a new life..Gabriel loves to eat Pie specially now there is a new girl in Rosies cafe who makes a great pie,while hes eating there is a magnetic force urging him to barging the kitchen door.. In there is his mate but he overwelmd her by following her,gifts and being a caveman..Though Gabriel and Temperance grow closer, outside forces are determined to keep them apart. Can Gabriel convince her that despite her scars, she’s the only woman for him? Can Temperance trust him not to break her heart? read it to find out! I read an advanced copy of this book.
Gabriel Russel and Temperance Pettigrew are an unlikely couple. He's a lion shifter, gorgeous, rich and charming. She's human, shy, withdrawn and a terrific baker. He's drawn to her baking like a magnet, through walls, doors, windows to not just her pastries, but her essence. However, even though Gabriel is charming, he's a bit of a bull in a China shop around Temperance. His initial approach just leaves her overwhelmed. Due to her past her insecurities are prominent. Following our two protagonists as they learn about each other is a loving and redeeming experience. Gabriel becomes much more endearing and vulnerable. Temperance learns to believe in herself and trust when she needs to believe. Complete with ex-boyfriends, ex- fake girlfriends, family expectations and competing career choices our two heroes must believe each other and love each other, just as mates should.
Each time I finish a new book by Ms. Montgomery, I am awed by how real her characters and settings feel to the reader. Each time I think that her books cannot get better but the next one always is. This new book is no exception. Gabriel and Temperance's story emphasizes the importance of not judging someone by their appearance and how depth of character is far more important. In true Blackstone style, this book includes shifters, romance and a touch of suspense.
I received an advance review copy of this title, but have also preordered this book. Although book 2 in a new series, this title can be read in its own. Pick up this or any of Ms. Montgomery's titles you won't be disappointed.
It's great to be back in Blackstone. I might have a been a little more excited to meet Gabriel's mate than he was. I mean, who would capture the heart of playboy King of the jungle. Temperance was a perfect match. Finding you true mate is always unexpected. It hit Gabriel with such a force that he actually might have come on a bit strong. For being well known for his charm, Gabriel was acting like he met his first crush. It was down right cute. Temperance had her own insecurities. She had a hard time believing that Gabriel truly wanted her. This was an amazing story of healing and true love. This is turning out to be another amazing series from Ms. Montgomery. I absolutely loved it! This is my honest opinion of an advanced copy I received.
This is a fun read, where shifters live in plain sight of humans who know what they are. I always enjoy a world where the two can live side-by-side.
It’s one of those insta-love books where you know exactly what’s going to happen and how within minutes of opening the book … but getting there is still pretty fun, as is some of the family drama that unfolds.
It’s slow burn, which I appreciated, since the time was spent developing a fun plot, great characters and had plenty of drama. I’d read more from this author and willat least continue on in this series.
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note: I listened to the audiobook. The narrator has a pleasant voice and smooth, even tones/pronunciation. Easy listen. (Voice resembled Jane Lynch’s to me at times.)
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that Gabe finally got to realize why he loved the pies so much.
Gabe was a great friend in book one of this series so I'm glad he got his own book. As a man who is struggling against family obligation and doing a job he really doesn't like just to help a friend out, it is nice to see him put first for once.
Temperance is a woman who has been hurt not only physically but also emotionally. She doesn't think a hot guy like Gabe could be really interested in her.
Both of theses characters were fun to read about them in different ways. Gabe just wanted to worship Temperance with gifts and such and Temperance had to believe that there were good guys out there.
A baker meets her soul mate, a ranger from the local park system, also na lion shifter.
She had fled an abusive boyfriend in Chicago and landed in the far west Blackstone Park area, where she found the perfect job with a pie shop. Her burn scars from a fire when she was a teen kept her self-confidence low, so she was happy to stay in the kitchen whipping up goodies all day, while his lion kept dragging him there to eat. He has family problems and an ex that's a real cat, she has her abusive ex show up to try to kidnap her. Plus there are tons of ups and down, wacky friends, other shifters, a wedding, a crooked businessmen, and an attempted murder to keep things interesting, followed by a HEA ending
Obligations and expectations abound for charming play-lion to keep his family leading the pride. Apparently, his sister, the pride leader has made arrangements with the family of his exes to join their prides in marriage. Gabriel’s having none of it but the manipulative ex increases her efforts to do all she can to get Gabriel back since they broke up years ago.
Wanting away from the place and people that left her physically and emotionally scarred, Temperance Pettigrew decides a do over is in order. With help she gets a job as a baker at a local Blackstone diner where her tasty, inventive and tasty pies is just one reason Gabriel’s become obsessed. Months later, Temperance’s ex realizes she’s gone and wants her back. Rating: 3.5stars
Oh wow. What an amazing journey once again. It is so fun to be back in Blackstone. Especially with more yummy guys and shifters.
From the start of the book, I felt the story so deeply. Everything was so amazing. But also, so effed up for Temperance. I hated that she had to go through so much in her life. And it is sad that there are people in the world going through the same thing.
What I liked to see was the way Gabriel tried for her. Showing a weakness so she knows there was more to him than just a pretty face. All of these facts made for a very easy but hard read and it made the book AWESOME!
A really good read that touched upon some very sensitive issues that affect many people so often in a negative way and this book highlights how people should be treated in a normal caring way. Temperence Pettigrew was severely burned in a fire when she was a teenager and has scars that she feels the need to hide herself away but in Blackstone she finds acceptance by people who do not judge her for her looks. Gabriel the pretty boy lion shifter soon realises that not only does her baking call to him but so does she, she is his mate and he pursues her with a passion and of course sparks fly between the two. A good story with some positive messages.
I always love a good shifter book. This one did not disappoint. It is the second in the series and it was just as good as the first with a bonus to see more of the couple from the first in the series along with the other side characters. The MC's in this one were meant to me and fated. Gabriel was so sweet and swoon worthy is was a joy to see him try and woo his lady mate. Temperence was a scarred woman with heartbreak and needed the patience and persistence that Gabriel gave. I finished this one with a smile. Tara Langella does a great job narrating. I received an ALC from Pink Flamingo Productions