Friday, March 29, 2019

THE UNEXPECTED CHAMPION by Mary Connealy, Reviewed by Rebecca, Susan and Winnie

Rebecca's Review:
"Honestly she thought of herself as a woman who always looked on the bright side, but right now it was taking all her gumption to do so. "

Stuck out in the middle of nowhere, with a man she barely knows; Penny Scott is having to rely on all of her wilderness skills and then some. Thank goodness John McCall is an honorable sort . . . hopefully . . . but the Pinkerton agent is completely citified and Penny knows that there is not a city anywhere in sight. As if surviving a kidnapping wasn't the worst thing that could happen to them, it seems that being found is going to have some unique consequences as well. Attraction is both a blessing and a curse when one's unexpected champion turns out to be as clever as John McCall.

Be prepared to traipse through the high Sierras on this wild goose chase for vicious criminals who always seem to be one step ahead of justice, while enjoying the author's sharp wit and sassy conversations, which somehow manage to develop into . . . . . kisses?

*I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.


Susan's Review:
'Penny had little patience for a man who pouted.'

Pinkerton agent John McCall has been sent west by the Chiltons, who want him to find their long-lost grandson. The Chiltons are, however, a pair of lying, scheming, no accounts who only want the boy for his dead mother's inheritance money. When McCall gets west, after having to wait out a deadly winter, he meets up with Penny, part of a group of folks who have a claim in the mountains. They are guardians to the boy and have no intention of letting him go. But first Penny and John have to deal with a dead crook, then they are both kidnapped, escape, travel through the woods for days and then, well, things just escalate from there. Penny is a wildcat, not afraid of anything, can ride, rope, skin an elk, track, read signs, pretty much an all around do anything type of gal. McCall is astounded by her, but then he begins to realize her worth. Things are getting mighty odd around there.

Mary Connealy is back with her cowboy comedies and her trademark wit is in fine form here. She keeps the action moving throughout, the laughter spewing forth and tells a mighty fine tale at the same time. I am a forever fan of this woman and I can't wait to read what she has for us next. Bravo! Highly recommended.

*My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. 



Winnie's Review:
Once again, I found myself giggling, snorting, chuckling, and laughing out loud through a Mary Connealy novel. This time it was The Unexpected Champion—the last in High Sierra Sweethearts series. The setting in Nevada in the old west, and the well-crafted, horse riding, homesteading, gun-toting characters (both friendly and dangerous) came to life quickly and drew me right in. I loved the delicious chemistry and witty, hilarious banter between Penny Scott and John McCall, the two main characters. Penny’s strong will and independence combined with John’s handy skills and determination made for a delightful and somewhat quirky couple.

The appearance of some of the characters from previous books in the series was such fun. I loved how Penny’s family and friends all had each other’s backs. If one of them had a problem, the others were ready and willing to ride to the rescue. Immersed in the story are threads of faith, mercy, and love of family that add dimension to it. I’m sad to see this series end, but I’m also looking forward to more books from this highly entertaining author.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
City dweller John McCall never expected to be out in the High Sierras of 1868 on a wild-goose chase to find the Chiltons' supposedly lost grandson. But now that he's out here, things have gotten even more complicated, mostly due to wildcat Penny Scott. She's not like any woman he's ever met--comfortable in the woods, with a horse, and with a gun.

When Penny and John are taken against their will by a shadowy figure looking for evidence they don't have, both realize they've stumbled into something dangerous and complicated. With their friends and family desperately searching for them, Penny and John must make a daring escape.

When they emerge back into the real world, they are confronted with a kidnapper who just won't stop. They must bring a powerful, ruthless man to justice, even as this city man and country woman fight a very inconvenient attraction to each other. 


Available in digital ebook, paperback,  hardcover and audiobook:
Buy The Unexpected Champion on Amazon
Buy The Unexpected Champion on Christianbook.com

1 comment:

  1. I'm so glad you liked The Unexpected Champion!!! Thank you for the nice reviews!

    ReplyDelete

Share This Post

How Our Giveaways Work: The Official Rules

We, the ladies of Inkwell Inspirations, would love to give free stuff to everybody. Since we can't, we will often have a giveaway in conjunction with a specific post. Unless otherwise stated, one winner will be drawn from comments left on that post between the date it was published and the end of the giveaway as determined in the post. Entries must be accompanied by a valid email address. This address is used only to contact the commenter in the event that he/she is the winner, and will not be sold, distributed, or used in any other fashion. The odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. NO PURCHASE, PLEDGE, OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Pinterest