REVIEW and EXCERPT TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY - TEXAS REDEEMED (Night Sky #1) by Isla Bennet:

Title: Texas Redeemed

Series: Night Sky

Series Placement: #1

Author: Isla Bennet

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 2013

Published by: Montlake Romance

Format: Ebook, Paperback & Audio

Pages: Approx. 406

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Copy Provided by: Author

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Book Blurb:

Ranch owner Valerie Jordan learned the hard way that people carve out their own destiny. She knows firsthand what can come of one night of unchecked attraction and lost inhibitions. And she also knows there’s only one way to handle guarded missionary doctor Peyton Turner: with caution. Thirteen years ago, they went from being friends to lovers to strangers. To save himself and outrun his past, Peyton disappeared. Now the prodigal son of Night Sky, Texas, is home—though he has no intention of staying. But once the revelation that he and Valerie share a troubled teenage daughter sends him on a hunt for answers, there’s no avoiding one another…no ignoring the undeniable desire that draws them together.

Texas Redeemed is a passionately written and emotionally gripping story of lust and risk, love and forgiveness, of confronting the damaging secrets of the past for a chance at redemption.

Reviewers Note: Texas Redeemed is book one in the Night Sky series and is a Contemporary Romance written by Isla Bennet. I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review through Tasty Book Tours.

4 Heartfelt, Encouraging Stars!
A Beautiful Story About Forgiveness, Redemption and Second Chances!

The Review:
What a lovely read. I loved the character and though there were a few issues I had with the story, I really enjoyed it. What a fantastic debut novel by a promising author!

Story/Characters...
When Peyton Turner ran from his hometown, his family and his friends at twenty one, he didn’t look back. He went out and lived his life the way he wanted, the way he felt he needed to. But he didn’t know just what he was leaving behind or what he was giving up. All he knew was he needed to escape the stifling path his affluent grandfather was deceptively mapping out for him and he needed to get as far away from his acidic, alcoholic mother as he could.

He ran away and fulfilled a noble path for thirteen years, only allowing his grandfather to know at first where he landed, but soon that responsibility also became a burden. So he fled, letting no one know his whereabouts, including his childhood best friend Valerie who meant everything to him, but heated words with her the last time he saw her kept him from contacting her, thinking she was better off without him.

Now he’s back thirteen years later only to realize he might have made a huge mistake. Having a young, rebellious teenage daughter he never knew about is only one of the reasons he’s considering planting roots once again. His childhood BFF who he’s always loved has grown into a beautiful, independent woman he’s finding hard to resist and for once, he can see a committed future with someone.

But like always, the pressures and confinements are closing in as his grandfather tries to once again insert his wishes into Peyton's future, his mother is back on his heels and Valerie is resistant to anything personal or permanent. Peyton has to decide what he wants, what's important and what's worth fighting for.

Valeria Jordan has been in love with Peyton since they were kids. Leaving the rushing streets of city life after the death of her parents at a very early age, to live on a ranch with her heartless and unfriendly uncle left her alone and heartbroken until Peyton and his grandmother befriended her.

The night Peyton left, her heart shattered and her life fell apart. Finding out she was pregnant, her uncle disowned her leaving her with no family or friends. She was truly alone. Nine months later, she had twins. Struggling has always been part of her life and she’s no stranger to tragedy so when Peyton shows back up, she’s resistant to what he’s offering, scared her well built walls will crumble and her heart will be shattered once more.

And this time around, she has not only to protect herself, but also her daughter from Peyton’s flightful tendencies or she might lose everything, especially if the secrets she’d been holding onto all these years comes to light.

Thoughts...
I really enjoyed this story. There was a lot going on and a lot of characters to keep track of but I never felt overwhelmed. In fact, I loved all the side stories and sub characters. Overall, the story was wonderful and heartwarming. The writing was beautiful and intense.

Peyton, Valerie and Lucy’s story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. They had some serious trust issues to work out and a lot of “get to know you” moments to fulfill. All three of them were very real. Peyton, though he didn’t know about his daughter, left behind a family that needed him and a woman that loved him. He was hot-headed and a bit wild and toward the end, before he left, totally out of control, which had a lot to do with his mother and grandfather. It was hard watching him want and need his mother, even after all she’d done to harm him and then finally seeing the end result of all the pain she’d caused. And poor Valerie wanted to believe in Peyton so badly but her trust was broken and she was wracked with guilt over things she’d done in the past. Then there’s Lucy who’s smart as a whip and full of life and character. But she’s also suffering survivors guilt and spiraling out of control herself. She very much takes after her father with her wild and demanding side. This family went through a lot but in the end, they all realized what was important and watching them struggle then find each other, was perfect and beautiful.

I especially loved all the sub stories and characters. The Jordan family was fun and interesting. Valerie built her own family after inheriting her uncles ranch, inviting his ex and children to come and work with her who then became like a mother and siblings. There were some very wonderful, humorous and touching times on the ranch. And then there’s Chase who I definitely want to learn more about. I hope we get his story next!

Wish List...
I did feel this was more of a life story than a romance. Peyton and Valerie had chemistry but it seemed to focus more on the feelings they “used” to have rather than what they were working towards now in the present. I didn’t really getting a romance vibe until towards the end and that, I think, was mostly due to Valerie withholding herself, which I don't blame her for. I would have too. But I wanted to see more of Peyton and Val being emotional with one another, confiding in one another and being romantic with one another. I did really appreciate the fact that Peyton worked first and foremost to get to know his daughter and find a relationship. That was important, especially considering all the time he’d already lost. I do wish the romance had of been heavier. I think there could have been a better balance with the two relationships.

The Wrap Up:
This book was smart, entertaining and a joy to read. This author is truly gifted with the written word and has an amazing ability to tell an beautiful story with interesting characters and a fulfilling plot. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. She can definitely add me as a fan.

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EXCERPT

     Valerie could match his stubbornness measure for measure. “I’m not leaving then.”
     He swaggered into the bathroom, then came the sounds of a toilet flushing and water running. He appeared in the doorway with a toothbrush sticking out of his mouth. “Still here?”
     “I said I’m not leaving.” She emphasized her point by sitting at the foot of the bed.
     Peyton said nothing more as he brushed and rinsed, then stalked into the bedroom to grab a pair of crumpled jeans from the floor and yank them on. “You look good in my bed, Val.”
     “Seriously, that’s not why I’m here.” She walked to the opposite side of the room. “So what’s with the scar? Did you miss the patient when you were operating?”
     The look he gave her was grim. “I was mugged and stabbed while I was on a mission. It happened a long time ago and as you can see, I’m fine. Luckily, all my necessary parts function.”
     She mentally cringed when she met his eyes at the words necessary parts. “I don’t believe in luck.”
     He ventured closer. “What do you believe?”
     “That you have some ridiculous death wish.”
     “I’m a doctor, not a stuntman.”
     Frustrated, she shoved his shoulder. “Quit brushing off what I say. You’re a doctor who works in the most dangerous places. You’re Anthony Turner’s boy, the rebel—the guy who rode around on a motorcycle at crazy speeds and got into trouble left and right. You never give a damn what happens to you, and you never consider the people who might care.”
     “You actually care, Valerie?” His eyes were shuttered, the words a low rumble.
     “Force of habit.”
     “Why’s that?”
     “We—because we’re friends.” At his harsh look, she continued, “Isn’t that what you want? Us to be buddies again?”
     “You want to be friends with the guy who hauled ass out of this town thirteen years ago. That’s not me. I’m different, Valerie. I’m not that man, and too much has gone down for me to want to be. And if you don’t realize that, you’re making a mistake.” He brought his lips toward hers, almost touching her. “Get to know me.”
     It might as well have been an erotic proposition. Instantly her body reacted—a warm wave passed over her skin, her mouth watered, her thigh muscles clenched. “Peyton …”
     “I want to learn you.” This time he did touch her, tracing the scar next to her eye with the tip of his finger before molding both hands to her buttocks and urging her forward.
     Instantly she felt his heat … and the need to have his hands right where they were, but with her skirt out of the way. Something in the way he squeezed her flesh and parted her legs with one of his told her he was more than ready to fulfill that need.

About the Author...

Isla Bennet’s first encounter with a smoldering hero was on the junior high school bus—between the pages of a novel. Books have been her constant through growing up in the Midwest, partaking in some wicked travels, and working as a bookseller and nanny while earning two college degrees. She’s studied everything from English to sociology to art, and has figured out that she loves meeting people—particularly the ones she makes up. These days she indulges in her weakness for carpentry and all things retro, and dives into a new love story every day as a writer, freelance editor and RWA member—all while pursuing her wish to become a horseback-riding, volleyball-playing, French-speaking seasoned traveler.

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