WESTERNS & AUDIBLES

 


Break Heart Canyon

Winner of the Colorado Authors' League CAL award for excellence in writing and N.N. Light's best historical romance of the year, and best secondary character from Still Moments Magazine. 
                                               Available here 
                                          click here to read sample

    Blurb: Unearthing artifacts in Colorado sounded like easy money to Ryker Landry. Then he met the woman who owned the land. 
     Una MacLaren vows no fortune hunter will desecrate the ancient relics of BreakHeart Canyon—even if the man is a handsome scoundrel. Fighting to keep her goat farm afloat as local cattlemen hatch deadly schemes to make sure she fails, Una has enough to worry about. 
    Captivated by the courageous redhead, Ryker joins forces with Una and her deerhound, MacTavish. But what does he desire most—the woman or the artifacts? 
     When the mythical white cougar again prowls the rocky cliffs, the legend of BreakHeart Canyon draws them into a web of danger. Now only daring and blind trust can save them. 





Undercover Outlaw
Will he cross the line to find his brother’s killer?
Will she help him at the risk of her own freedom?

   Jesse is determined to track down the man who killed his brother in cold blood. Impersonating an outlaw, his quest for justice becomes a living, breathing, part of
his soul.
    Trinity is heading to Denver to escape her vicious guardians. When her stagecoach is robbed, Jesse kidnaps her, and all her well-laid plans collide with his, leaving them both in danger.
    Trapped in Prairie Ridge by a flood, Jesse and Trinity's feelings soon run as high and wild as the river. When Jesse is accused of murder, Trinity stands by his side, and they take on the town's tyrannical leader. As the city cowers in fear, help comes from an unexpected source, but can it save Jesse from a hangman's noose?

  Winner of the prestigious Beverley Award 
  from the Colorado Romance Writers of America 
                       Best Historical Romance of the Year!
                                        Available here.
         
                               Click here to Browse this book

Excerpt: 
    Jesse grasped one of her hands and kissed the palm. “Tell Sol what’s happened,” he ordered, “and do exactly as he says.” Then he let her hand slip from his, and his expression hardened. “And don’t come back here.”  
    She knew his harsh words were his way of protecting her. But not seeing him or knowing he was all right would be a far worse fate than anything else she could imagine.
     Footsteps echoed at her back.
     “Whoever heard of a female reporter anyway?” Jesse mocked loudly. “You women should stay at home where you belong, and leave the running of the world to us men.”
    “Like you men are doing such a great job. Besides, you’re big news, cowboy. And we women have only begun to take our place in the thick of things. You might as well get accustomed to having us around.” 
    Jesse balled his hands into fists, his expression one of frustration—her veiled message had gotten through loud and clear. On impulse she mouthed the words, I love you.
    “Sheriff, get this female out of here. And in the future I demand you keep her away from me.” His voice was cold, but the fire in his eyes spoke of remembered passion not anger.
    None too gently, Sheriff Langford grabbed her elbow and escorted her away from the cell. 
     Stumbling over the main threshold she snatched her arm free and glanced back, but the heavy door clanged shut before she could capture one last cherished glimpse of the man who had become so important in her life.
                                     Available here.
         
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5 STARS Still Moments Magazine
Between The Pages 
Once again, the author masterfully captured my attention within the opening pages. Jesse portrays an outlaw, but he’s a gentleman of a cowboy. Trinity is striving for independence and finds it Prairie Ridge. Though not the destination she had in mind, she finds friendship, family, and love. This story grabbed my interest and held steadfast. There’s a bit of suspense with Jesse undercover in a group of outlaws, as well as plenty of action. So many scenes will make you smile – Trinity standing by her man, Trinity befriending the “ladies”, Jesse with his uncle Sol, and Trinity with Sol. The story peaks when the “ladies” help Trinity save Jesse. Seeing the women riding in to save the day was perfect. I also hoped for a connection between two other characters and the author didn’t disappoint with a ‘shy smile’ at the end. Get comfy in your chair because you won’t want to put this book down. 

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5 STARS Readers’ Favorite Reviewed on 11/01/2020
https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/undercover-outlaw
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
It's 1888 in Prairie Ridge, Colorado. Jesse, a tenacious young man disguised as an outlaw, infiltrates a gang of robbers led by a man named Billy Bart. Jesse is searching for the killers of his younger brother Jacob and is determined to bring them to justice. During one of the gang's robberies, Jesse unwittingly ends up kidnapping a young woman named Trinity. Trinity, who has a past of her own, soon finds herself attracted to Jesse. But Jesse must keep his feelings in check and continue to gather evidence against Briggs, the man who controls the town. Will Jesse succeed? Will Trinity find her happy ending? To find out, read Undercover Outlaw, a romance/western by author Gini Rifkin.

I had a blast reading Undercover Outlaw. It's an engaging story of two lovers brought together by unforeseen circumstances and doing their best to overcome their respective struggles. The characters are everyday people facing extraordinary challenges, making them feel relatable and heroic in equal measure. Gini Rifkin's setup of a small town in 1888 America seems really well done, and the western ambiance made the read an even more enjoyable experience. The action sequences happen in quick bursts and are vividly described. There are also some serious issues related to human trafficking that get duly explored, and Rifkin handles them with the necessary nuance and grace. I don't think there is a single thing that I didn't like about this book. I would recommend it to fans of both romance and western crime novels.
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 5 STARS N.N. Light
A book that read like a superb Clint Eastwood western from the good old days. Jesse is a hero everyone can cheer on. Trinity is a superb leading lady that proves again the human spirit can overcome every challenge. The story is taut with an incredibly complex plot. My favorite characters are Trinity and her girls. The energy, spirit, and ability they show make one think they have some fae in them.
The action and adventure will keep a lover of that on edge for the whole book. The fan of good romance will simply love the story of Jesse and Trinity. Brilliantly researched, well written, make, and absorbing. This book will appeal to every reader of action/romance books. One that is hard to put down once you make the great decision to pick this story up.
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TRAPPER'S MOON
   As a free trapper, mountain man Kade McCauley is wary of the Hudson Bay Company. Their form of vengeance against those who are not part of the company can be deadly. When he and his partner are attacked, he fights back, only to discover one of his shots struck an innocent. A woman who touches his soul, and he will do anything to keep her safe.
   While searching for her Native American tribe, Blind Deer crosses paths with Kade—with near fatal results. Once she is patched up, she decides it is safer to travel with him than alone Their uneasy alliance turns to genuine caring, but Blind Deer's past gets in the way, and she must choose between love or old obligations. But nothing in life is carved in stone except the mountains, and those formidable peaks have been known to change the course of a man's life--or a woman's.
                                Available here universal link
  

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    COWBOY'S, CATTLE, AND CUTTHROATS

     Ochessa is heartbroken when she finds her brother fatally wounded. His dying words are about a childhood puzzle box, missing legal documents, and a drifter named Nicodemus Breedlove. Ochessa vows to find Will’s murderer—and the man Will described.
   No stranger to trouble, Nic's only concerns are his Stetson, his mule Sadie, and a long awaited chance at retribution. After gaining Ochessa’s trust, and taking the job she offers, life gets more complicated. 
    Back on the ranch in Colorado, Ochessa works as hard as any man. Then Nick tempts her into playing even harder as a woman—both are overwhelmed by their growing love for one another.
    Weathering a stampede, a gully washer, and a pack of outlaws, they locate the killer. As Nic’s quest for justice, and Ochessa’s vendetta for Will playout, bullets fly...   
       Not everybody’s gonna make it out alive.  

5 Stars Still Moments Magazine
Between The Pages 
Ochessa, the heroine is strong and independent and Nic, the hero, is charming and witty. The author does a good job combining wit with action and romance. The story moves along at a steady pace, adding suspense, villainous dark horsemen, and gun fights. With a few steamy scenes, this historical western was an entertaining read.

Read full review here 


SuperKam: Gun battles, outlaws, mystery, death, deception, romance, and love. No matter the era, women are strong, fierce, warriors who can hold their own in a fight. Would I recommend this book? Absolutely.
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NetGalley 
 Read full reviews here
 Cathy S, Reviewer recommends 
This book was my introduction to Gini Rifkin. I really enjoy the story. If you like historical western stories this book is for you.

Christena K, Reviewer
I liked the story and there was plenty of adventure. If you like historical western stories this book is for you.

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                       A COWBOY'S FATE     
                             
                              Colorado, 1880
                           When East End London 
                    meets the Wild West, sparks fly.
 
     Kicked out of England for offending the Royal Family, Britania Rule heads for Leadville, in the Colorado backcountry. Passing herself off as a highborn lady, she pursues her dream of opening a parlor of spiritual enlightenment.
     Cody James, her guide, thinks he must be half-crazy to hire-out to a female. But his luck at the gaming tables has run dry, and she’s his meal-ticket out of town. Betrayed by the only woman he ever loved, and shot and left for dead by a man he once called friend, Cody declares himself a loner.
   Traveling side by side, they deny their desire for one another, but the Tarot cards say otherwise—and their hot night of passion confirms the prediction. Will love be waiting at the end of the trail? Or could Cody’s past destroy their future?

                 Available here universal link


    
     
5 STARS from N.N. Light       
     They say love is in the cards but for this couple, the trail is treacherous. With the blending of historical western romance with a big of magic, A Cowboy’s Fate is an intoxicating read/listen. The characters are vibrant and full of life. The plot moves at an excellent pace. The world-building is excellent and so is the descriptive narration. I found myself caught up in the romance as well as the action. If you love historical western romance, you’ll want to give this a listen.
    Narrator’s overall voice – Richard L. Walton’s voice is full-bodied with depth and character. Whether he’s narrating in Britannia voice or Cody’s voice, he brings the characters' thoughts and feelings to life. The tenor of Richard’s voice makes for an enjoyable listening experience. Does the narrator fit the characters? Yes, Richard L. Walton fits the characters. I closed my eyes while listening and imagined him in the old west with his cowboy hat slung low over his eyes. 
     Narrator’s reading style – 
    The reading style is nice and slow with a smooth baritone voice. He pauses when the story needs it and picks up speed during some intense scenes. He innately knows how to pull the listener into the story.
    Narrator’s impact on reading experience – 
    It’s all about the partnership between Richard L. Walton and Gini Rifkin. Gini Rifkin is a brilliant writer who writes with passion and Richard brings that story to life through his performance. Narrator’s pacing – The pacing is perfect with just the right amount of dramatic flair. Audiobook flow – The flow of this audiobook is smooth.
    What makes this audiobook unique – This audiobook reminds me of everything I love about old west movies but in listening format. The story and the narration will transport you. Would I recommend this audiobook – Yes!

My Rating: 5 stars 
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                    SPECIAL DELIVERY
  Clover City, Colorado—1888
A mysterious letter and the drop-dead handsome town marshal, are the last things Mariah expects to find making rounds as a midwife.
    Mariah McAllister plans to be married before her next birthday. Too bad Marshal Virgil Kincaid barely knows she’s alive. Not one to give up easily, she’s determined to show him she has an abiding passion for more than her work.

    Virgil Kincaid loved a woman once—after she broke his heart, he spent three years in prison. Women can’t be trusted, no matter how good they look. He’s sworn off relationships in favor of Saturday night poker games. Life is simple—the way he wants it…until a stranger turns up dead in the road.
    Forced to work side by side with Mariah, Virgil begins to wonder if she might be his second chance at love. As they trade kisses and oh so much more, he’s willing to take the gamble. But when a killer threatens their once peaceful town, all bets are off. 
                       

Available here universal link

 Audible 

Read Sample Here

 5 Stars from Krista Ames at Fall Into Reading  
      I love cowboy stories no matter what time period they are set in. There’s just something about a cowboy…sexiness, handsome good looks or even his natural, go with the flow attitude maybe?  Well whatever it is, Virgil Kincaid, the cowboy in Special Delivery was one of those. 
    In this story set in Colorado in 1888, we meet the hero Virgil Kincaid who after a few too many years brushing with the law and paying his dues, is now the town Marshall of Clover City Colorado.  A quiet place where hardly anything ever happens unless it’s a brawl at the saloon over a game of cards.
    Over an apparent murder on the outskirts of town, the Marshall is thrown into an investigation in which the heroine is right in the dead middle of.  (No pun intended)
    Here is where our heroine Miss Mariah McAllister enters.  She is the daughter of Doc McAllister, the only doctor in town and she unnerves the Marshall at every turn. She’s extremely independent, self-sufficient and don’t forget head strong.   
     She’s very focused on her soon-to-be expecting patient but just can’t stay out of the murder investigation for the British man she found outside of town.
      The chemistry between these two excellent characters is riveting and has the perfect makings for a romance.  Trust me I could go on and on but what fun would that be for you?  Believe me when I say you won’t want to miss finding out what happens to these two in this once sleepy little 1888 Colorado town.  I’m sure glad I did !!
         This book won my 5 leaves !!

  


                           



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