GRR Reviews If You Love Me by Ciara Knight

 Drew has a job: get the town to sign off on the revitalization plan for his boss. He was definitely not ready to be ensnared in small-town politics involving crazy elders and a mayor playing him like a chess piece. And he definitely was not ready for Carissa, the town's best baker... // Carissa is a small town girl but the pain from losing who she thought was her forever man to who she thought was one of her best friends still lingers. Except that "friend" is back in town and was determined to show up everyone else. // Drew wanted to know Carissa better, but Drew also wanted to advance his career. Are those two goals compatible? Or will Carissa feel betrayed after learning that Drew may not stay? 

As a series starter, the setup was pretty good as it introduced all of the cast while giving them different personalities, yet made Carissa the main character, and set up an "antagonist" as well. There is some sparks flying, so it's not too bad. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Love on the Prairie by Ciara Knight

Abigail McKinnie had already lost almost everything except her sisters when the Union Army sacked Atlanta. With no other choice to keep her family together, she accepted a marriage proposal from one of her cousins out in Kansas, hoping to convince him to take in all seven sisters. With barely the clothes on her back, she arrived at the homestead with blistered feet, only to find a stranger there... informing her that her betrothed is dead, died of infection and buried not long before her arrival. // Owen Baker already lost so many people, including a wife and son (even though there was no love). When Abigail stormed onto the land, claiming ownership of her cousin's land, his only thought was "no, not again", and his fierce determination to keep her safe (by sending her away) was met with fierce opposition from Abby (I'm not going anywhere), yet neither can actually say the reason they behave so. But when the only way to let her keep the land is to marry her, can he explain everything, when a crazed man in town who hated Indians may be about to force war and hang "traitors" who protected Indians and wanted peace?

The reluctant lovers theme was pushed really well, but the "Indian" threat was very very late. Yes, there was an attack, but very little damage. The other threat was introduced very late and IMHO, not executed that well.

Category: Historical Western

Overall Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded up)

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