Dylan Black was trying to make an  ongoing program where horses are used to give children new experiencescalled Mystic Warrior Horse Camp. Dylan works with his seventeen year old daughter Emily who is in college and also trying to bond with his sixteen year old music prodigy son D J. Dylan is a Lakota Indian and a rancher. Emily adored Dylan Dylan wants to be with his children needed but also be true to himself. Monica is Dylan’s ex and the kids mom and has cancer and trying to keep it hidden the best she can. Dylan lost everything he cared about Dylan agrees to a reality show to pay for the youth horse camp that would be for local reservation kids. Ella is the producer of the show and Monica is the shows host. The reality show is about community projects get a makeover.

I enjoyed this story a lot. It held my interest all the way through this story right from the start. I wanted Dylan to have that camp and for it to be successful for himself and his family but most of all for the reservation kids to get a taste of their lost culture. I loved learning a little about the Lakota tribe but didn’t love hearing about the struggles this particular branch of Native American had. I was so proud with what Dylan wanted to do. I congratulate the author for bring this to our attention through her story. At times this story was a little confusing but I got through it and still enjoyed the story a lot. I did think Dylan came on to Ella way to fast even if they had met briefly before. One thing I have to say quit smoking Monica I did wasn’t easy but it can be done especially in her case. Yes this was like I was there with Dylan and the rest of the characters. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.

These heroes and heroines have been shaped by growing up on the street.

My lists are never in any particular order! Enjoy! 

1. Ecstasy in Darkness by Gena Showalter

Growing up poor on New Chicago’s meanest streets, Ava Sans had two options: be the predator or be the prey. No contest. Now, working for Alien Investigation and Removal, she’s been ordered to capture the biggest, baddest warrior of all—a vampire too beautiful to be real, with the abilityto manipulate time. Once the leader of the entire vampire army, McKell has been deemed savage and unstable, spurned even by his own kind.

To McKell, humans should be nothing more than sustenance. Yet the petite, golden-skinned Ava is a fascinating contradiction—vicious yet witty, strong yet vulnerable, lethal but fiercely loyal. Against his better judgment, McKell craves that loyalty, and much more. When the chase leads to seduction, McKell and Ava will race to discover the truth about his past. But the answers will come at a price, even for a woman who thought she had nothing left to lose. . . .

2. It Ends with Us: A Novel by Colleen Hoover 

Lily hasn't always had it easy, but that's never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She's come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up - she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily's life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.
  
Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He's also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily, but Ryle's complete aversion to relationships is disturbing.
  
As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan - her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

3. Heartmate by Robin Owens 

All his life, Rand T’Ash has looked forward to meeting his HeartMate, with whom he could begin a family. Once a street tough, now a respected nobleman and artisan, he has crafted the perfect HeartGift, which, in the custom of the psychically gifted population of the planet Celta, is the way a man finds—and attracts—his wife…

Danith Mallow is irresistibly drawn to the magnificent necklace on display in T’Ash’s shop, but she is wary of its creator, despite an overpowering attraction. In a world where everyone is defined by their psychic ability, Danith has little, placing her at the opposite end of the social spectrum from T’Ash. But T’Ash refuses to accept her rejection and sees it as a challenge instead. They are HeartMates, but can T’Ash persuade his beloved to accept her destiny by his side?

4. Hot Secrets by Lisa Marie Rice 

Jack Prescott waited twelve years for his wife, Caroline. And then, the moment he found her again, he almost lost her.

The son of a violent drunk, Jack grew up on the streets, and he understands better than anyone how cruel and dark the world can be. As a martial artist and former Army Ranger, though, he knows how to take care of himself and those he loves. Only one thing can bring him to his knees—the thought of someone harming Caroline.

So he made it his mission to teach her self-defense…but not all of their time on the workout mat is work.

When a violent monster of a man breaks into Caroline’s bookstore on Christmas Eve, Jack races to her side, all the while hoping his lessons have sunk in, because without her, life isn’t worth living.

5. Hunter's Claim (The Alliance Book 1) by S.E. Smith 

Jesse Sampson and her two younger sisters have lived a hard life on the streets of Seattle, Washington for the past several years. Four years before the Earth received its first visitors from space causing mass fear. Alone in a world gone mad with just her sisters, Jesse has learned to use the darkness and the remains of the city to survive and keep what was left of her family alive. She has seen the savage side of human nature and finds they are not much different from the aliens who conquered the Earth.

The Trivators have taken control of the Earth to prevent the humans from destroying it in their fear. A world of warriors, they are sent out by the Alliance of Star Systems to seek out new worlds. Their mission is first contact. They are to establish communication with the leaders of the new worlds they find and bring them into the Alliance. Any resistance is to be quickly subdued to prevent unnecessary death of the inhabitants of the new worlds they find. Their payment comes from the success of their mission.

Hunter is what he is called. A hunter, one of the elite clans of the Trivators who seek out those who resist. His abilities to track, capture and eliminate those who try to harm any warrior is renowned. He finds the tables turned when he becomes the one captured by a group of ruthless humans.

Hunter is shocked when a strange human female risks her life to help him escape only to disappear into the ruins of the city. He now has a new mission, finding the female who saved his life. He is determined to find her before she is damaged by others of her kind.

What he finds is a reward beyond comprehension to a Trivator warrior, a family. Can he convince Jesse that he can give her and her younger sisters a better life on his world? Or will fear keep her from accepting what he has to offer?

6. For the Roses by Julie Garwood 

The Clayborne brothers were a rough gang of street urchins -- until they found an abandoned baby girl in a New York City alley, named her Mary Rose, and headed to Blue Belle, Montana, to raise her to be a lady. They became a family -- held together by loyalty and love if not blood -- when suddenly a stranger threatened to tear them apart...Lord Harrison Stanford MacDonald brandished a six-shooter and a swagger, but he soon proved to be a gentleman to the core. The brothers taught him frontier survival, while Mary Rose touched his heart with a deep and desperate passion. But soon, a shattering secret would challenge everything Mary Rose believed about herself, her life, and her newfound love.

7. Once More, My Darling Rogue by Lorraine Heath

Born to the street but raised within the aristocracy, Drake Darling can't escape his sordid beginnings. Not when Lady Ophelia Lyttleton snubs him at every turn, a constant reminder he's not truly one of them. But after rescuing her from a mysterious drowning, he realizes she doesn't remember who she is. With plans to bring her to heel, he insists she's his housekeeper—never expecting to fall for the charming beauty.

While Ophelia might not recall her life before Drake, she has little doubt she belongs with him. The desire she feels for her dark, brooding employer can't be denied, regardless of consequences. So when Ophelia's memory returns, she is devastated by the depth of his betrayal. Now Drake must risk everything to prove she can trust this rogue with her heart once more.

8. Night Falls Like Silk by Kathleen Eagle

His gift is a rare talent; his art celebrates an important American legacy. But it's born from a torment that might make him as dangerous as he is irresistible.


Wealthy, beautiful and sophisticated, Cassandra Westbrook collects exquisite art objects with a connoisseur's fine taste and a rich woman's whims. She always dominates an art auction--until a mysterious artist named Thomas Warrior bids against her for a set of Native American ledger drawings.

Though he's outbid, Thomas feels a strong connection to the historic artwork that embodies his Native American heritage and symbolizes the survival of its courageous spirit. He's a survivor too, growing up on the mean streets to become more famous than he'd ever imagined possible. So he's not a man to give up easily--neither on the drawings nor on the stunning woman who now possesses them.

Thomas and Cassandra are not only destined to cross paths again, but when he agrees to mentor her talented but troubled nephew, fate collides with the fierce attraction they share.

Thomas's artistic gift haunts him as his creations seem to take on a life of their own. When Cassandra's nephew and the extraordinary ledger drawings disappear at the same time, not even Thomas is certain who he really is or what dangers threaten those he loves.

9. I Own the Dawn by M. L. Buchman

Name: Archibald Jeffrey Stevenson III
Rank: First Lieutenant, Dap Hawk Copilot
Mission: Strategy and execution of special ops maneuvers

Name: Kee Smith
Rank: Sergeant, Night Stalker Gunner and Sharpshooter
Mission: Whatever it takes to get the job done

You Wouldn't Think It Could Get Worse, Until It Does...

When a special mission slowly unravels, it is up to Kee and Archie to get their team out of an impossible situation with international implications. With her weaponry knowledge and his strategic thinking, plus the explosive attraction that puts them into exact synchrony, together they might just have a fighting chance.

10. Caught by Menace by Lolita Lopez

Menace’s plan to catch a docile woman is shot to hell when he’s tackled by a darkhaired beauty who wants to save her friend from being Grabbed. Refusing to leave the planet’s surface empty-handed, Menace claims the spitfire with his collar.

Naya clawed her way off the streets of Connor’s Run and vowed to never let any man control her. She plans to make Menace so miserable he’ll set her free, but the ruggedly sexy warrior disarms her with his unexpected patience and kindness.

Against her better judgment, Naya surrenders to Menace’s masterful hands and mouth. Submitting to her new husband brings more pleasure and happiness than she’d ever imagined possible. For the first time in her life, she willingly trusts a man to protect her.

But when past misdeeds catch up with her, Naya puts the depth and strength of that love to the test. Determined to prove he’s worthy of her trust, Menace will stop at nothing to save her.

Do you have a suggestion? Let me know! 

Vote for the best of the best on my Goodreads list: Street Kid: Romance Novel Leads that Grew up on the Streets

I believe March Madness is about the place.

Enjoy these Basketball Romances with some snacks! These romances are hard to find but they are out there!

My lists are never in any particular order. 

1. Smooth Play  by Regina Hart

A passion for the game is what it takes to win. But off the court, it takes a different kind of savvy to heat things up. . .

He's part problem-solver and dream-maker. There's not a crisis he can't avert. And handling the NBA's most explosive team has put PR ace Troy Marshall at the top of his game. It also gives him a chance to give back to the community. But one determined reporter is messing with his flow. And he'll need way more than skill and charm to win this tempting one-on-one. . .

Andrea Benson's instincts tell her that something major is going on behind-the-scenes with this franchise. And a headline story is the only way she can regain the career and good name she let slip away. But Troy's sincerity is throwing her for an unexpected--and very seductive--loop. Can they trust each other enough to uncover the truth. . .or will too many secrets be their breaking point?

2. BB and the 'Baller by L. Langdon

Sara Mosby was a brilliant young history professor at a university near Seattle and loved teaching and her research. Lately, however, her life had turned sour. Several irresponsible students--particularly some athletes--sought to get easy grades by making trouble for her. They complained to her new department chair, who seemed willing to do anything to deny Sara tenure. She was intrigued when a tall handsome man watched one of her classes from the hallway, then asked for direction in a self-study program. Now if she could just keep her mind on History when he smiled at her... Joshua Weathers was a pro basketball player, and the toast of Seattle--constantly in the public eye. Seeking to continue his education, which he had cut short for a basketball career, he chanced upon a dynamic class given by a small, black woman. He was fascinated by her lecture as well as by the woman herself. Could she serve as his mentor? Could she become more?

3. How to Reprimand Your Rock Star by Mina Vaughn

Thea is a star basketball player at UConn on track to be Rookie of the Year. That is, if she can stay focused on the game. Lately that hasn’t been going so well, as her knee has been bothering her. But that’s not the only thing on her mind…

Ever since rock star Keaton Lowe surprised her in the girl’s locker room, Thea can’t stop thinking about him. On top of his status and enticing ways, he seems to know everything about her. But some of his actions cross the line, and Keaton needs to be punished. Will Thea keep her head in the game, or get distracted by her other favorite pastime—reprimanding her rock star?

4. What the Heart Knows by Kathleen Eagle

Thirteen years ago, alone and secretly pregnant, Helen Ketterling left her job as a school teacher on the Bad River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Her summer love affair with Reese Blue Sky had ended abruptly when he left the reservation to pursue his chance at a NBA career.

Now her new position, a dangerous assignment for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Reese's father's sudden death bring them both back to Bad River for a reunion at once fiery and bittersweet. Not only does Helen fear a custody battle if Reese learns that they share a son, but she can't reveal that she's working undercover at the reservation's casino.

And Reese has his own secret--one that ended his basketball career and could endanger his son. While much has changed in the years since he left home, he finds that his roots and his heritage still matter as he reaches for reconciliation with his past. Family ties are the basis of Lakota tradition, and all are threatened by political intrigue and corruption. Was Reese's father murdered because he planned to blow the whistle on the casino's outside management company?

As their investigation into his death leads them down a treacherous path, Reese and Helen struggle to bridge the memories and heartaches of a time when she was an idealistic young teacher and he was a lonely man on the verge of reaching for the stars. They'll have to search deep inside themselves to challenge the doubts that have kept them apart.

5. Playing the Game by Stephanie Queen

Superstar athlete Barry Dennis, needs to get knocked down a peg or two and Roxanne Monet thinks she is the woman to do it–
If she can keep herself out of jail after being accused of murdering her wealthy husband...

Since her disastrous marriage ended, Roxanne has sworn off serious relationships with men. Right now she has more important things to worry about, like being flat broke with no job and accusations of murder hanging over her head.
But when she meets the elite athlete Barry Dennis and he challenges her to a game of seduction, she decides to play ball. But the game turns serious and she unintentionally exposes the legend to be a flawed man.

Barry Dennis realizes too late that he picked the wrong woman to play games with when he decided to flirt with the enigmatic Roxanne. Being the best takes all he has. He can’t afford to let anything or anyone interfere with his first and only priority--Basketball. But as the attraction between him and Roxy heats up, he finds himself losing sight of his life’s game plan.

While the sports world’s microscope is trained on Barry’s game and the media hounds Roxanne about her husband’s mysterious death, the stakes are ratcheted up even higher when Barry’s young daughter, Lindy is injured. Roxanne gives Lindy the attention she needs while Barry struggles to cope with the demands of his new priorities.

Can Roxanne rely on Barry to do more than play ball? She takes the risk and gives him the last thing she owns--her heart.

6. Full Court Press by Mike Lupica

This is what happens when the desperate golden-boy owner of the worst pro basketball team in the world and his equally desperate golden-boy coach do the unthinkable: sign the first woman ever to play in the NBA. Her name is Dee Gerard, the daughter of a New York playground legend and the product of God having an exceptionally good day. A star in Europe, but weary of bad arenas, she retires-until the day a scout for the hapless New York Knights calls his boss: "I found you a point guard who is perfect, except for one thing." What, no heart? "It's not a heart, exactly. But you're close."

The league doesn't want the circus. The other players don't want her. The owner wants fannies in the seats. The sportswriters just want their column inches. What she wants . . . is to play in the best game there is. How she gets there, the hilarious and sobering things that happen to her, the personal and professional entanglements that spring up everywhere, the pitfalls of remaining old-school when all about her are tattooed, self-indulgent, young millionaires-this is the smart, funny, outrageous, wonderful story of Full Court Press.

7. Can't Get Enough of You by Bette Ford

Jenna Gaines has her Ph.D., a great teaching job at her alma mater, everything she ever wanted in life . . . almost. Once upon a time she wanted Scott Hendricks, but the NBA called and he left her to become a hoops star. Now hiscareer is over, and the only man Jenna ever loved is back at her school and in her life—too many years too late, as far as she's concerned.

Jenna would have given up her dreams to follow Scott, which was the last thing he wanted. All Scott can think about now is the taste of her lips and how it feels to caress her silky ebony skin, but Jenna won't give him a second chance to break her heart. She will, however, let him be her backup and support when she reconnects with her long-lost brother.

But anything could happen on their fateful trip—because Scott still has the moves . . . and the magic.

8. Rush to the Altar by Jamie Carie

Madeline Goode is devastated when her husband dies in a car accident. After moving back in with her parents with her two year old son, Max, she attempts to put the pieces of her life back together. But she didn’t plan on meeting Jake Hart, the star NBA player that she keeps bumping into at her new job as a charity coordinator for the Racers. And she certainly didn’t plan on learning that her husband’s accident may have been no accident at all.

Will Jake stick around while her life gets complicated? And if she gives in to her heart, will she just be making another mistake? Rushing to the Altar may be the most daring and risky move of her life.

9. Love Becomes Her by Donna Hill

Fate has one last zinger in store for Barbara Allen. His name is Michael Stevens, he is a basketball millionaire, he's little more than half her age and he wants to spend the night!

Does Barbara dare throw convention to the wind and enjoy her very own boy toy?

It's a decision she'll need the help of her three best friends to make. But as the trio weighs in on whether Barbara should or shouldn't, they come up with an outrageous plan that will mean a life change for them all.

10. In the Paint by Philana Marie Boles

Detroit art gallery assistant Danni Blair is frustrated. Her NBA Detroit Piston boyfriend has been acting shady, she and her best friend end up arguing more than laughing, and her job has been filled with endless drudgery and incompetent co-workers.

When her world suddenly shifts in every way imaginable--her cheating boyfriend breaks up with her and she's fired from her job--Danni goes on an emotional journey that she hopes will reunite her with a love of her life, bring peace to her tumultuous childhood, and reconnect her with her passion for painting.

Want more? I have more! Go to my Goodreads list: Hoops: Basketball Romance. 

The Last Good Man by Kathleen Eagle 

Gorgeous, famous Savannah Stephens is back, and no one in her hometown, Sunbonnet, Wyoming, really knows why. Especially not Clay Keogh, the good-hearted rancher who has loved her from afar since they were kids. Savannah's young daughter looks just like Savannah's first love: local bad boy Kole Kills Crow, Clay's half-brother. Has Savannah come home to start a new relationship with Kole?Whatever her secrets, it's clear that she's deeply troubled and needs a shoulder to lean on. Clay is there for her, and she soon realizes that he's a very special man. But until she can bring herself to share the painful truth about her fall from stardom, the emotional distance between her and Clay may separate them forever.

This kind of romance always makes me ache and even though I know there will be a happily ever after again and love that has been tested is sweeter. 

This list goes out all loving partnerships that bend and cradle. 

Marriages in Trouble Historical Romances

1. Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas 

2. An Affair Before Christmas by Eloisa James

3. The Marriage Bed  by Laura Lee Guhrke

4. The Book of Scandal by Julia London 

5. Trial by Desire by Courtney Milan 

6. Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen

7. Seducing the Duchess by Ashley March 

8. The Slightest Provocation by Pam Rosenthal

9. Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley 

10. Colorado Dawn by Kaki Warner 

Marriages in Trouble Contemporary Romances

1. Turning Up the Heat and Snow-Kissed by Laura Florand

2. Suburban Renewal by Pamela Morsi 

3. A Summer in Sonoma by Robyn Carr

4. Reason to Believe by Kathleen Eagle 

5. Love in a Small Town by Curtiss Ann Matlock 

6. Forget Me Not by Marliss Melton 

7. Always in My Heart by Catherine Anderson 

8. Home Front: A Novel by Kristin Hannah 

9. On Target by Catherine Mann

10. One Fine Day by Theresa Weir 

Marriages in Trouble Category Romances

1. The Santangeli Marriage by Sara Craven 

2. The Fourth Child by C. J. Carmichael 

3. Stranded With Her Ex by Jill Sorenson 

4. A Marriage Worth Fighting For by Lilian Darcy

5. A Perfect Marriage by Laurey Bright 

6. Once a Ferrara Wife... by Sarah Morgan 

7. Mr. and Mrs. Wrong by Fay Robinson

8. Becca's Baby by Tara Taylor Quinn

9. The Second Mrs Adams by Sandra Marton 

10. The Greek's Christmas Baby by Lucy Monroe 

11. Making It Last by Ruthie Knox (forgot this one is a Loveswept--an utterly wonderful read)

These list are especially for some very fine women on Twitter who just love these kinds of romances. @JenniferRNN @mharvey816 @PennyRomance @SOSchmieg @LauraFlorand (threw a few amnesia ones in there for your pleasure)

If you want to vote for the Marriage in Trouble Romance, go to the Goodreads list: Trouble: Marriage on the Rocks Romance.