Thursday, May 19, 2022

A book review at Rain's Thursday Art Date

 

Today is Thursday and that means it's time for Rain's TAD. Rain gives us prompts which we may choose to follow, or we may share anything we choose.  Today, I'm sharing a book review.

As my dear friend Sandra Cox would say, "Welcome blogger buds."  Those of you who follow Sandra's blog know she has a new book that was released on my bEARTHday.

Behind the amicable façade is a man who’s tough and determined. He’s Mateo’s Blood Brother.
 

Blurb:

They were friends, close as brothers. Then they weren’t.

Mateo and Jesse are cautiously working their way back to friendship when Jesse discovers the unthinkable. Delilah, the sultry shifter who’d had affairs with both men, is still alive. The tumble she took over a mountain ridge—a fall that nearly killed Mateo—should have finished her.

Now, there’s no choice but for the two men to work together to take down a she-devil straight from hell. As the stakes escalate and the hunt becomes more intense, another wolf appears on the scene. Always where Jesse’s at. Always when he’s in trouble. Jesse is divided between ending Delilah, a new love interest, discovering the identity of a certain brown wolf and staying alive.

Excerpt:

A shadow fell across the desk. Unexpected. Eerie in the predawn gloom.

Nerves thrumming, Sheriff Mateo Grey’s head shot up and he reached for his gun.

A lanky man in jeans and a tan uniform-shirt, with coal-black hair pulled back in a tail, leaned against the doorframe of Mateo’s office. A shield attached to his brown leather belt. The scent of fresh air and earthy musk followed him in. He moseyed over and dropped boneless into the hard, wooden chair, in front of the desk.

What the hell, Jesse? You sneak around like a—”

Indian?”

Cat was what I was about to say. Don’t try to snag me with political incorrectness.” Mateo shook himself, leaned back in his worn office chair and drilled the Chief of Police of the Blackfeet Nation with a hard stare.

Jesse snorted and handed him a paper cup, with Belle’s Beans printed on the side, then took a sip of his own. Not a drop had spilled when he collapsed into the chair, reminding Mateo of the man’s innate feline grace.

Thanks.” Fragrant steam rose from the opening, the cup warm against Mateo’s hand. His tight jaws relaxed. Belle served the best coffee in the county.

He took a long swallow. The caffeinated liquid rolled down his throat, hit his belly and kick-started him into hyperdrive.

Okay, Jesse, hit me.”

Tight lips set in a lean face twitched. “I’ve been wanting to for months.”

Years more like.” Mateo flashed a grin.

Growing up, the men had been close as brothers. Best friends. Blood brothers. Then they weren’t. His fault.

Cautious and slow, they were working their way back to friendship.

Jesse grinned back, nodding in acknowledgement.

Surprised to see you here. What can I do for you?” He and Jesse had a contentious relationship and even though they were moiling their way toward a more even footing, they weren’t there yet.

What makes you think I want anything?”

You know the old saying, beware law enforcement officers bearing gifts.”

At least I didn’t bring donuts.”

Mateo gave a crack of laughter and, just like that, the lingering tension of a moment before broke.

Where is everyone?” Jesse peered through the open doorway, a long gash on the worn, stained frame, left by a previous, unhappy visitor.

It’s not seven yet. Nobody here but me and the dispatcher. But they’ll be streaming in any minute.” He pointed at the large-faced, black-rimmed, round clock that adorned the plain white walls of his office.

How’s Blair?”

The question sidetracked Mateo as no doubt it was meant to, as a vision of his fiancée with tousled hair and covers pulled up to her nose rose in his mind, along with another body part. Having his fiancée as his chief deputy was both a blessing and a curse. Stubborn as a mule, she didn’t take kindly to being told what to do. But offsetting that, his chief deputy—his woman—was brave, smart and able to handle herself. Not to mention sexy as hell.

He squirmed in his chair and got himself back on track.

She’s fine. Now, what is it you’re not telling me? It’s not like you to beat around the bush.”

Silence built. Tension swelled.

Mateo thrummed his fingers on the desk, waiting. The drumming echoed in the quiet.

Jesse stared over Mateo’s left shoulder as if waiting for divine intervention. None was forthcoming. Finally, he straightened his shoulders and turned his gaze to Mateo. “She’s alive.”

Character Facts:

Jesse and Blair both like to catch the Full Moon Band, that plays hard rock with a native twist, on Wednesday nights at the Blue Coyote.

Jesse loves Belle’s Beans coffee and bear claws.

Popular with the ladies, he managed to avoid any serious entanglements until Layla/Delilah.

Available at Amazon

Link: https://tinyurl.com/MateosBloodBrother

About Sandra:

Sandra writes All Things Western, is a vegetarian, animal lover and avid gardener. She lives with her husband, their dog and cats in sunny North Carolina.

Foodie Facts:

She spent a number of years in the Midwest chasing down good Southern BBQ. By the time she moved to North Carolina where Southern BBQ is practically a staple, she’d become a vegetarian.

Pineapple is a must-have on pizza, along with black olives and onions.

She loves pumpkin waffles. Pumpkin cream cheese, not so much.

You can find her at:

http://www.sandracoxwriter.com

http://www.cowboytrivia.com

https://sandracox.blogspot.com

http://www.twitter.com/Sandra_Cox.

A funky little giveaway:
Commenters names will go into the proverbial hat and one name will be drawn to win an I Heart Books stretch bracelet.

I hope those of you who didn't know Sandra before, will check out her blog, her website, and her twitter feed.  I also want to thank Rain for opening her TAD to any post we choose to share.
 
Thanks for stopping by today.  I want to try some of Belle’s Beans freshly ground coffee.  Bleubeard wants a bear claw and a pizza.

 

18 thoughtful remarks:

Elephant's Child said...

Thank you supporting lovely Sandra - who goes above and beyond in her support of others.

Valerie-Jael said...

Kind of you to support Sandra's new book! Hugs, Valerie

Mae Travels said...

You didn't mention if you actually read the book. Werewolves? Doesn't sound like you. Everything in your post seems to be from the author. It sounds surprisingly bloody for being written by a vegetarian.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

jinxxxygirl said...

Thanks for sharing your book review Elizabeth! If you could see all the books in my house you would know that bracelet should be here too...lol Especially now that hubby reads too... books coming out our ears! Nice to read a little about the author too.. Hugs! deb

DVArtist said...

She is brilliant. I would love this book, however, it is very difficult for me to read. My eyes just won't allow it anymore. Thanks so much for the interview and a nice tribute to Sandra. Have a great day today.

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful tribute to the author and the book sounds intriguing ~ Xo
Books are one of favorite friends ~ ^_^

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Christine said...

Good review on our friend Sandra's book.

My name is Erika. said...

I don't know Sandra, but I have seen you and a couple of other people mention her on their blogs. I should check out her web page. Did you like her book? I love the idea of a shifter and this sounds like a fun series. Happy Thursday. Hugs-Erika

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks so much for hosting me, dear Elizabeth. I appreciate ya:)

Gillena Cox said...

Wow sounds intriguing.
Happy Thursday

Much💛love

craftytrog said...

A great review! Sandra's books sound good Elizabeth.

Karen said...

Sounds like an interesting book! My sister would love that bracelet, she is such an avid reader. I love pizza -hold the pineapple for me though :)

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Sandra is a good bud to have!

Serena Lewis said...

Great review, Elizabeth! The book sounds interesting. I love wolves and have always felt an affinity with Native Americans so could be up my alley. That said, I'm not into romance novels any more....is that what this book focuses on?

Divers and Sundry said...

It sounds like an exciting plot! That pizza looks tasty. Although I'm not a vegetarian, I prefer veggie pizzas.

She's on Twitter! Cool :) I'll check her out.

Fundy Blue said...

Thanks for the review of Sandra's book, Elizabeth! I enjoyed "Mateo's Law," and I look forward to reading its sequel. Yes, I'm happy that Rain has opened her TAD blog to our choice of topics. But I also appreciate her suggestions. The bracelet is really cute, and it's perfect for this of us who love to read. Take care!

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

Well, this is awesome ... I am always looking for a good book to read (Reading, they say, helps keep your brain on track :). So wolves, American Indian's all right up my ally. I will look into it. I read while I am on my treadmill. It helps keep me from getting bored (walking and looking at a wall is not exciting)and I love the stories I read. You are a good friend who helps introduce her books to more readers ... and I have never tried pineapple on my pizza. Not against it, It seems like it might be good, but unless you are building your own pizza, there is little chance to add ingredients. But, maybe with a reheat of a left over, I could add it in and see what I think. Interesting as always, Elizabeth ... so where is Bleubeard today?

Andrea @ From the Sol

Rain said...

Hi Elizabeth! ☺ Nice post! The artwork on Sandra's book cover is just beautiful!