Nadene's Satin Sheets Review of Gambling On A Secret by Sara Walter Ellwood

• File Size: 519 KB
• Print Length: 276 pages
• WEBSITE: www.sarawalterellwood.com
• Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
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• BLURB
• When Charli bets everything on a secret, will she find the deck stacked against her?
  Former runaway-turned heiress Charli Monroe is hiding her sordid past and planning a future in Colton, Texas. Attending the local college for a degree in social work, she intends to raise cattle on her newly purchased ranch, which she plans to open as a home for troubled teens. Only a few glitchesùthe Victorian mansion is crumbling, the barn needs a roof, and her oilman neighbor wants more than friendship. When she meets Dylan Quinn, Charli is willing to take a chance on the town drunk to help her rebuild the rundown ranch.
  
  Dylan has his demons, too. The former Special Forces commander can’t get past his ex-wifeÆs betrayal and the botched mission that left him with much more than a bad limp. Certain the greedy oilman next door to Charli wants much more than just her heart, DylanÆs even willing to stop drinking in order to protect her.
  
  When things get dangerous and secrets of the past are revealed, is he only looking out for his new employer, or is she the new start he so desperately needs?
  
  CONTENT WARNING: Details abuse of a minor, drug abuse, alcoholism, swearing, spicy sex, murder.
  
  
  HONESTLY this was a FABULOUS read. Gambling on a Secret is a gripping, entertaining and an absolutely delightful romantic read which is set in the town of Colton located in Texas.  Sarah Walter Ellwood has scored with this book.  This has been one of my favourite reads for 2013.  The story held my interest from the beginning. I had a real hard time putting it down.   I was so disappointed when it ended. I deliberately took my time reading it so I could savour every minute. I was pulled into the story from the very first page and just could not let go.
  
  
  The characters were amazing. I just loved how the author portrayed them.
  Charli has been through a lot. She is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic who was able to turn her life around. I loved her determination and her will to survive. She refused to allow her past to define her.  Dylan is a war veteran who had also lost a lot.  His wife left him and he lost his entire team in Afghanistan. He sought to console himself in the bottle thereby becoming a drunk and the laughing stock of the town.   Charli needed help on her ranch and that help came in the form of Dylan. She was a bit skeptical at first about hiring him because of his reputation but after conducting her own research she decided to take a gamble which ultimately paid off.
  
  
  From the moment those two met sparks flew but because of the pain both had gone through in the past they were afraid to reveal their feelings for each other.  Then there was Leon, Dylan’s uncle whom also appeared to be vying for Charli’s feelings. It was clear that he had an ulterior motive and Dylan did not trust him.
  
  
  I loved how the romance between Charli and Dylan developed. It was not an easy road for them. They fought to make their love survive. It was definitely no fairy tale romance.
  
  
  There were a few twists and turns and some unexpected surprises. It really pulled at my heart strings. There was also some laugh out loud moments. The descriptions were vivid and life like. The story flowed beautifully from beginning to end and it does not leave the reader hanging.  I am so looking forward for the next book in the series.
  
  
  Without a doubt this was an enjoyable read for me and Sarah Walter Ellwood have joined my list of must read authors.  This book comes highly recommended.

Title has been awarded five pillows.

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