Thursday, September 18, 2014

Book Review: Dakota Skies by Taylin Clavelli

Set in the 19th century, twins Jamie (Jay) and Anna Carter have recently taken over as co-sheriffs in the town of Blackrock. Due to his family history in the town, as well as the secret he's been carrying around for years, Jamie is burned out. He soon decides to leave home and become a bounty hunter. His skill at tracking down criminals is unmatched, and he soon builds quite a reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

After crossing into Native American territory, Jay is aided by a mysterious stranger who provides much needed survival advice and eventually saves his life. Extremely grateful to the handsome stranger, Jay convinces Kit to be his traveling companion. The sheriff in Jay soon comes out as he tries to solve the puzzle of this enigmatic man who has not only captured his attention, but his heart as well.

Kit is also hiding a secret that could mean life or death for him. Even though he knows the dangers of traveling with a known bounty hunter and former sheriff, he can’t seem to let Jay go, enjoying his company and the entertainment he and his horse, Houston, provide. Not only could Kit's secret destroy his life and eradicate his freedom, it could also rip apart the bond he’s formed with Jay.

I've read Taylin Clavelli's work in the past and I can easily vouch for her as a wonderful storyteller. I was very impressed by the amount of detail she incorporated into this book, but it’s not unnecessary filler. Her research has allowed her to paint a realistic and impressive landscape that makes the reader feel as though he/she is riding side by side with Jay and Kit, listening to their conversations and witnessing their developing feelings for one another.

Not only did the love story between Jay and Kit draw me in, but the supporting characters were well-rounded and interesting people as well. I loved the Mason character and really enjoyed the interactions Jay and Kit had with Kit's Native American family.

If you're in the mood for a good, old-fashioned western with an m/m romance twist, Dakota Skies  is definitely the book for you!


~M

*Wayward Ink Publishing provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Dakota Skies  here and here.

Watch the book trailer for Dakota Skies  here.



TAYLIN CLAVELLI

Taylin Clavelli lives in the United Kingdom, about 15 miles south of Birmingham, and a short journey from the world famous Cadbury’s Chocolate factory. She’s married with children and loves her family with all her heart.

Her love of books has been a long standing affair, with Taylin liking nothing better than to lose herself in an imaginary world.

Until she met Lily Velden, she never considered trying her hand at writing. However, after talking ideas, Lily encouraged her to put pen to paper—or rather, fingers to keyboard. Since, with a few virtual kicks in the right place, she hasn’t stopped. Her confidence eventually led to her writing an original work for submission.

Now she absolutely adores immersing herself into the characters she creates, and transferring the pictures in her brain to paper, finding it liberating, therapeutic, and wonderful.

Outside of writing, her interests include; martial arts (she’s a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwon-do), horse-riding, and movies, all of which facilitates her love of a wide variety of genres. Her action heroes include Jet Li and Tony Jaa—finding the dedication these men have for their art combined with their skill both amazing and a privilege to watch. If pressed, she’ll admit to thinking that the screen entrance of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the CaribbeanCurse of the Black Pearl, and Shadowfax in LOTR, to be the greatest screen entrances ever. Her all-time favorite movies are Star Wars and Lord of the Rings.

The simple things in life that make her day, putting a smile on her face are:

Laughter - especially that of her children.

The smell of lasagna cooking – it makes her mouth salivate.

The dawn chorus – no symphony ever written can beat the waking greetings of the birds.

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2 comments:

  1. Wow - thank you for such a wonderful review. You have made my day and am currently smiling at anyone and everyone. I am over the moon that you enjoyed Dakota Skies and could immerse yourself into their world.

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