Fired Up (#02 in Trouble In Texas Series)

I'd met the reluctant doctor, Dare Riker and victim of domestic violence, Glynna Greer in the first of Mary Connealy's Trouble in Texas books, and it was delightful to read the rest of their story in Fired Up. Although the book could stand alone as Dare and Glynna's story, I recommend reading the series in order to get the most enjoyment possible from it. I especially enjoyed the incredible bond between the four men, forged through the hardships they shared in the prisoner of war camp. \\nGlynna had endured life with two lousy husbands, and it takes these fine group of men to allow her to trust again. As well as a beautifully gentle romance, this book has humour, as Glynna runs a diner without being able to cook, mystery, as Dare faces numerous attempts on his life and must determine the source, adventure and a challenge to readers to grow in faith. Definitely worth reading. \\n\\n

Fired Up has solid characters, an adventure-filled plot, a strong Christian message and is an easy if lightweight read from the Queen of the Christian Western. I enjoyed reading it, but can't say there was anything especially memorable about it, nor any reason to continue with the series. \\r\\n\\r\\nFired Up is the sequel to Swept Away, which I have also reviewed. There's enough recap of the Swept Away story for Fired Up to be read as a stand-alone novel, although it's more enjoyable read as part of a series (it's possible there was too much recap, but I could hardly remember the first story so it was welcome). \\r\\n\\r\\nThanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

I had just finished an awful book and was looking for something well written, engaging and in short - a good reason to read a book. So I picked up Fired Up. I knew from many other Mary Connealy books that it would be a solid read. \\r\\n\\r\\nI loved it! I laughed like crazy in some points and almost chocked on my drink from laughter in a few other places. I was just so happy to read a well constructed, well written and funny book. It was the perfect remedy for a disappointed reader. It improved my mood and made my like books again!\\r\\n\\r\\nThe friendship between the four men (Dare, Vince, Luke and Jonas) is great to see. They are like brothers and treat each other accordingly. Their respect for each other, women and their selflessness is a balm to Glynna's battered soul. They prove to her over and over that decent men exist - ones that don't lie, cheat or abuse - all while cracking jokes along the way. \\r\\n\\r\\nGlynna's weary of falling in love again (well at least getting married again) but can't seem to fight her attraction to town doctor, Dare Riker. Disaster after disaster follows Dare and Glynna seems to always (happily for the most part) dive right in with the drama and action. She's learning to trust again and Dare's learning to be a patient man. \\r\\n\\r\\nMary's trademark wit leaps off the pages and brings joy in what has been a bit of a dreary time for me regarding the quality of books I've encountered. Don't worry, these dreary books are not being reviewed.…