Fort Reno The Lieutenant's Bargain, Book 2, (Paperback)

If you need a break from life and could use a good laugh then look no farther. The writing is well developed and you can imagine Hattie and Jack in the circumstances that revolve around them. I can see the look on his face when she sat beside him on the couch and wanted to kiss him, it cracked me up. I don't want to include spoilers so I will just say her antics involving Jack will keep you smiling every time you think of it. The roller skating scene is memorable. I think these are my two favorite characters from this author, although I've enjoyed each book I have read by her. I also enjoyed the historical aspect of the Indian children and the changes they had to endure. Throw in some danger to keep you on your toes and you have the makings of an entertaining and enjoyable read. I appreciated the authors notes at the end for explaining certain things incorporated in the story. My theory is move this one to your must read pile. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

This is the first full-length novel from Regina Jennings that I have read and I'm totally hooked! If you enjoy historical romance, you will definitely enjoy this one. The writing is fluid and easy to follow, the characters are endearing, and the plot is fun with a bit of suspense and intrigue thrown in. Hattie, an aspiring artist, gets robbed on a coach heading to Denver and is rescued by an Indian tribe working in tandem with the US government as reservations are being created. Jack, a lieutenant in the US Army that is serving the reservation, has always admired Hattie from afar while growing up and seizes the opportunity to “rescue” her from the Indian tribe. Misunderstanding and miscommunication bind them as husband and wife as they both try to figure out why they hold on to the dreams that they have. Hattie is strong-willed, stubborn, and somewhat immature and spoiled in the beginning but is also tender, vulnerable, and has a huge heart and an infinite capacity to love. Jack has always been a nerd with a nose buried in a book but has grown up to be a confidant man, interested in the welfare and preservation of the tribe even as they are forced to assimilate. As they struggle together to sustain a school for the tribe's children and find out who had robbed the coach, their friendship and love bloom. Even though this is book 2 in the series, it can totally be read as a stand alone. But now I need to go back and read the first book, Holding the Fort! I was given a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers (Baker Publishing Group) and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.