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Book Review: Fire and Ice by Mary Connealy

by Sandra Ardoin

Cover Art

The third book in Mary Connealy’s Wild at Heart series is out. Fire and Ice is a western romp typical of Mary Connealy and her brand of humor.

One of the things I like about a Mary Connealy book is that the reader is assured the story will start with a bang, a whoosh, a punch, or some other such action—all in good fun, of course. Fire and Ice is no exception when Bailey Wilde’s bullet spits dirt in Gage Coulter’s eyes.

He didn’t know much about women, but he knew this one was infuriating and fascinating, and when she wasn’t trying to kill him, he thought she was about the most interesting female he’d ever met.

Oh, who was he tryin’ to fool? She was interesting when she was trying to kill him, too.

Set in the Rockies, Bailey constructs her ranching homestead at the mouth of Gage’s valuable canyon and refuses to allow him entrance. So begins the tug-of-war between them that culminates in Gage’s surprising solution. At least, in his mind it’s a solution. Bailey begins to think otherwise.

Of the books I’ve read by Ms. Connealy, this is my favorite. I found the hero and heroine to be perfect for each other. Both strong on the outside and somewhat vulnerable on the inside. He’s ice. She’s fire. He’s clueless. She’s determined.

It was an odd feeling to be flattered and want to punch a man at the same time.

The faith thread is there, but understated and a natural part of the characters’ lives.

If you enjoy your historical romance bolstered by humor and a little snark, peopled by iron-willed characters with soft centers, and infused with a little mystery, this one is a winner!

Who is your favorite author when it comes to humorous novels?

Disclosure of Material Connection: This book came to me free from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, and NetGalley, with the hope that I would mention it on this blog. There was no requirement for me to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

How will she escape the clutches of a lunatic? Or will she?

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Sandra Ardoin writes Inspirational Historical Romances. She’s a wife, mom, author, reader, football fan, NASCAR watcher, garden planter, country music listener, antique store prowler.

As an author of heartwarming historical and contemporary romance, Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out.

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