Camryn Rhys

The premise held promise, and the main characters had chemistry, but the story development was choppy and wrought with issues pointing either to serious corruption in the wolf pack politics, a surreptitious villain behind the scenes, terribly inept pack governance, or something, but then that potential was just wiped away and the story abruptly concluded with a "well, I guess what happened was everybody's fault." Um, no, it definitely was the fault of Lee and Miles (they're new?? were they sent by someone with a vendetta against the VonBrandts? That could be interesting to explore!) and the Banfield witches. Like, seriously, they've never had to perform that spell for the sake of the VonBrandt Wolf Pack ever because it's so serious, and then two enforcers they probably don't know, show up with an unconscious town local and they just give her permanent brain damage without even checking in with the Pack Alpha on behalf of whom they're supposedly performing this spell? And when Paige wakes up before procedure is complete and is asking for Adam, brother of the pack alpha, that doesn't give anybody pause? Seriously, if they're going to give her anterograde amnesia, it's not like she'll remember things leading up to the process of losing her memory + memory making ability, so what's the harm in questioning her?… (mais)

Well, it was free...and it was short. Mercifully short. I thought it would be kitschy funny to read. Meh. I didn't realize when I got it, or decided to read it, that I had already read one in the series. It was better developed than the other, but the premise was stupid in comparison. To Save A Mate was a much better idea, in theory. Wish she'd spent more time developing that idea! Werewolf Cowboy was a bit silly. Allen was an ass, Reyna acted like a dog in heat...which I guess she was, sort of. Still. Not even remotely attached to the characters = not a love match for me. :/… (mais)

An ARe Cafe top pick.

Jamie Gaines is part owner and social director of the singles retreat at the Misbegotten Gaines Ranch. She is unhappy about training a new cook after the previous cook is fired for fraternizing. Sure, Charity broke the rules, but as the only other female worker, Jamie wants her friend back. Jamie formulates a plan with Charity to get her job back and the new chef fired.

Kyle Harris is a recent divorcé grateful at finding a job before his savings run out. Kyle knows fraternizing could get him fired but between Jamie’s good looks and bold advances, he crosses the line in no time. Kyle regrets breaking his boss’s trust but Jamie is no casual encounter. He hasn’t known Jamie very long, but he’s falling for her. Sadly, Kyle discovers Jamie’s deception and leaves. He doesn’t know that Jamie had a change of heart. Jamie pursues him because she did seduce him for all the wrong reasons, but now she wants him to stay for all the right ones.

Misbegotten Gaines is a contemporary, interracial romance featuring a ranch family. The Gaines family is part Native American which explains Jamie’s exotic green eyes and dark hair. Kyle is a white male hired to work on the farm as caterer. The many facets of this story will keep readers entertained. On one hand, there’s the building awareness and attraction between Kyle and Jamie and on the other hand is Jamie’s plot to get rid of him and get her friend, Charity, back on the ranch. Another interesting twist is Kyle’s ex-wife’s appearance on the ranch and her presence creating more problems for Kyle. Now Jamie has secrets she cannot reveal to Kyle and likewise, he is holding out a very big secret of his own. This is the first novel I have read by the author,but I enjoy the contemporary style and the informal language. The multi-layers of the plot further enhance a great story and the author also manages to keep it all flowing, tying up each subplot with a satisfying conclusion.

Kyle is an interesting character because he seems like the epitome of a good man, yet we are first introduced to him knowing he is being deceptive. However, as the story reveals more about his personality, it is possible to forgive him for lying to the Gaines family. He really comes off as the victim in the end as it seems he had no chance of getting the job if he came clean.

I like Jamie’s character although I detect a bit of immaturity. Jamie has a big heart and wants to protect her friends but it is clear early on that she is being manipulated. It takes some time and her falling deeper and deeper into trouble for her to realize she is being used. I also like Jamie’s older brother, Brady. He seems to be the most level headed of the bunch and he keeps them all under control as best he can. I would be interested in learning whether there is a story out there for Brady.

Overall, I enjoyed this story because the characters were well developed and very likeable. The plot is intriguing and with its many twists and turns it is impossible to become bored. The intricacies are handled with skill and care, ensuring that readers will not get lost but can easily follow an engaging very cohesive story.

~ Susan for AReCafe… (mais)

Vengeful Gaines is the second book I have had the chance to read by Camryn Rhys. Ms. Rhys has written a very nice reunion of first loves short story. Mattie Gaines is helping her daughter and son-in-law to be at a cooking contest. Little does she know her highschool love is back in town and there at the cook off. Will Jordan has came back to town for a fresh start. He's very pleased when he runs into Mattie. When they first meet again sparks fly, it takes them a little while to work things out together and when they do oh my! Things get steamy very quickly. I love reunion stories because the characters already have a past together and are finally going to get that second chance at a first love.

I liked Mattie, she is a strong independant woman that is running the family ranch. She has a few problems with her brother and I will be anxious to see if the resolution happens in the next book Gaines and Losses. I have Gaines and Losses in my to be read pile, I'm anxious to see what happens with this family next. They all are a very likable bunch.

This is a nice short story, with a few steamy scenes along with some nice family moments. I enjoyed catching up with the characters from Misbegotten Gaines in this story. I have a special fondness for series that let me revisit characters I have met about before.

I received a copy of Vengeful Gaines to read and review. As always it has been my pleasure to read this book and share my thought with you.… (mais)