City dweller John McCall never expected to be out in the High Sierras of 1868 on a wild-goose chase to find the Chiltons’ supposedly lost grandson. But now that he’s out here, things have gotten even more complicated, mostly due to wildcat Penny Scott. She’s not like any woman he’s ever met–comfortable in the woods, with a horse, and with a gun. When Penny and John are taken against their will … their will by a shadowy figure looking for evidence they don’t have, both realize they’ve stumbled into something dangerous and complicated. With their friends and family desperately searching for them, Penny and John must make a daring escape.
When they emerge back into the real world, they are confronted with a kidnapper who just won’t stop. They must bring a powerful, ruthless man to justice, even as this city man and country woman fight a very inconvenient attraction to each other.
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The final book in the High Sierra Sweetheart series. This is Penny’s story intertwined with Deb and Gwen and Trace from the first book and then Cam and Gwen’s story in the second book and now Penny and John’s story.
Penny (grew up in Army forts) and John (a Pinkerton agent) are kidnapped by three men who are trying to discover what Raddo, the man who had previously tried to kill them, had in his possession when he died. Penny and John are “forced” to work together to find the mastermind behind it all. In a side story the Chilton’s who hired John to find their grandson head to Nevada to see if they can find the boy first.
This story has it all: mystery, suspense, romance, comedy, action and adventure and best of all, it’s a western.
Mary Connealy has written another funny, exciting, and romantic page turner! I love each of her books, and this three book series was no exception. I read it in one sitting! It features strong female and male leads, but they each have their flaws to make them believable. Penny’s faintness when dealing with blood is something I can relate to, and it added some funny moments to this book. John’s abilities with disguises was a delightful touch, and added hilarity as well. This is a book with characters you truly invest in, and cheer for the good guys winning and the bad guys losing I appreciate that it’s a wholesome Christian book that I can read around my kids and not worry about them flipping through it (actually I can’t wait to introduce my daughter to the Christian Romance genre when she’s older!). I love the the setting too. Mary’s books are always historically accurate, and the history and settings are painted so well with words, that I feel like I’m there! This series has made me long to visit Lake Tahoe and the mountains in that area. I can’t recommend this book enough, and suggest you start with The Accidental Guardian, the first book in this series if you haven’t read it! This series flowed seamlessly, filled with characters that you root for and fall in love with!
Author Mary Connealy often writes western romantic comedies and The Unexpected Champion fits this description perfectly. There are cowboys, rip-roaring action and lots of laughter. There is also adventure and it starts from the very beginning! A Pinkerton agent and a frontier woman are kidnapped and lost in the High Sierras wilderness and it is the gun toting, pants wearing woman who finally leads them to safety. In a comedy of erors Penny Scott is considered the victim and the Pinkerton agent is labeled as the kidnapper and he could be wearing a noose around his neck unless he chooses to wear a wedding band on his finger. Yes, city slicker John McCall and country Penny have been alone for a week, they have endured each other’s quirks and now, Penny’s reputation is at stake. It may be necessary for them to marry to save her good name and protect his hide!
This book is full of adventure and danger; mystery and suspense; and lots of laughter. There is also love, mercy, forgiveness and take-your-breath away romance. There is a scene where they consider if their forced marriage is worth keeping and their mutual attaction sizzles between them. “Penny, I’ve decided we need to figure out a way to make this marriage work. I’m going to have to stay, or you’re going to have to come away with me. I find myself very interested in being…um…that is, being…married to you properly”.
The Unexpected Champion is perfect material for a Hallmark movie: a strong, law-abiding hero and a can-do-anything woman who find themselves feeling more than friendship for each other. I loved this book so much and I recommend it to all who enjoy Christian romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but I voluntarily chose to write this review.
The unexpected champion
Love the story of Penny and John. They were kidnapped together and after they get away from the kidnappers they then investigate together to find out who their identity was. I loved how Penny could take care of herself. I also loved how John put on different disguises to help in his investigation. This was such a fun book to read.
This is part of a series which I still need to read the first two. It is a stand alone book. I definitely will be reading the other books though. But if you haven’t read the first two books you can still read this one.
I received a advanced copy of the book from the publisher through the author. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
Mary Connealy has done it again! She has written a page-turner that one simply cannot put down! Her character development is absolutely impeccable, and there is plenty of action to hold anyone’s attention. I love that there is a strong female character that doesn’t have to rely on a strong male character but is confident enough in herself to do so if she is so inclined. I laughed out loud; I held my breath; I cheered! Penny and John have wonderful chemistry, though it doesn’t appear so at first. She is put out with him, thinking he’s a city slicker. He doesn’t know what to think of her, all country to the bone. But when they are in a pickle, the work together to save each other and find out who is trying to kill them. Will they discover who the killer in time to prevent further tragedy? Well, maybe.
I recommend this story to anyone who wants a clean, exciting book. Make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy this story bc it is quite difficult to put down once you start reading!
You can always expect an action-packed, faith-filled, romantic, and humorous story when they open any novel by Mary Connealy and The Unexpected Champion is no exception. In this wonderful conclusion to the Sierra Sweethearts series, readers encounter one surprising twist after another, including a kidnapping and harrowing escape, a forced marriage, and a massive wall enclosing a mansion in the wilderness.
The unlikely pair of John McCall and Penny Scott are opposites in almost every way. Penny’s expertise in necessary wilderness skills and her habit of dressing accordingly are a puzzle to city bred detective John whose attire is not exactly geared to his current situation – and that is just the beginning of their differences. Of course anyone who reads novels by Mary Connealy on a regular basis knows exactly how that will end up. A truly evil villain keeps the pair on their toes as they (and their friends) attempt to bring him to justice.
I loved everything about this book. The pacing was perfect and the subtle humor and romantic vignettes offered a welcome break from the escalating danger and suspense. Every aspect of the story was woven together with the skill that keeps this author near the top of my must read list.
If you have not experienced a Mary Connealy novel, The Unexpected Champion might be a great place to start but I personally suggest reading the entire series in order for the greatest enjoyment.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
3.5 stars
“Honestly she thought of herself as a woman who always looked on the bright side, but right now it was taking all her gumption to do so. ”
Stuck out in the middle of nowhere, with a man she barely knows; Penny Scott is having to rely on all of her wilderness skills and then some. Thank goodness John McCall is an honorable sort . . . hopefully . . . but the Pinkerton agent is completely citified and Penny knows that there is not a city anywhere in sight. As if surviving a kidnapping wasn’t the worst thing that could happen to them, it seems that being found is going to have some unique consequences as well. Attraction is both a blessing and a curse when one’s unexpected champion turns out to be as clever as John McCall.
Be prepared to traipse through the high Sierras on this wild goose chase for vicious criminals who always seem to be one step ahead of justice, while enjoying the author’s sharp wit and sassy conversations, which somehow manage to develop into . . . . . kisses?
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
What an excellent and satisfying end to the series and family group of the High Sierra Sweethearts. Each of the men and women we meet here, at least those on the good side, are brave, intelligent and self-motivated. External trouble comes in the form of a long-term pack of greedy murderers and their associates. It seems they will stop at nothing to eliminate these fine heroes. Internal struggles stem from abandonment, loneliness and the belief that others will leave or harm them. So, we meet John and Penny who are quite at odds over precious toddler Ronnie. John’s hired by Ronnie’s grandparents to return with him no matter what it costs. Penny will not give up without a large fight.
Stacked against them are the human jackals who have ambushed them since Trace Riley arrived alone in the area as a boy. They have plenty on the heaping plate without fighting each other. Will they learn to depend on and help each other or will their families fall apart?
Mary Connealy gives fans what they long for: strong and gritty characters working to survive and thrive in a wild, unforgiving land where not everyone is trustworthy. When those who deserve respect both give and receive it, great things occur that change the land and community dynamics.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
‘Penny had little patience for a man who pouted.’
Pinkerton agent John McCall has been sent west by the Chiltons, who want him to find their long-lost grandson. The Chiltons are, however, a pair of lying, scheming, no accounts who only want the boy for his dead mother’s inheritance money. When McCall gets west, after having to wait out a deadly winter, he meets up with Penny, part of a group of folks who have a claim in the mountains. They are guardians to the boy and have no intention of letting him go. But first Penny and John have to deal with a dead crook, then they are both kidnapped, escape, travel through the woods for days and then, well, things just escalate from there. Penny is a wildcat, not afraid of anything, can ride, rope, skin an elk, track, read signs, pretty much an all around do anything type of gal. McCall is astounded by her, but then he begins to realize her worth. Things are getting mighty odd around there.
Mary Connealy is back with her cowboy comedies and her trademark wit is in fine form here. She keeps the action moving throughout, the laughter spewing forth and tells a mighty fine tale at the same time. I am a forever fan of this woman and I can’t wait to read what she has for us next. Bravo! Highly recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
I enjoyed the main characters in this book as much as I did the two from the second book in this series, and this is a good wrapup to all the storylines. I appreciated how the author masterfully wrapped up each book in the series with a good, solid ending but was able to begin the next book by continuing the threads started before.
Clean language.
Here’s the real deal.
I went into this book with VERY low expectations after reading the first two books in the series. I was not the biggest fan of them.
Plus I’ve come to learn something about my reading self…if I go into a book with high expectations I am, more times than not, disappointed.
This book though. This book had me laughing out loud. This book was the Mary Connealy I know and love!
I had no clue it was going to be a “shotgun wedding” story, but oh how I LOVED that it was! I LOOOOOOVVVVEEEE that plot line…SO. MUCH.
*deep breaths*
I was giddy the entire time I read this book. Okay, maybe not the entire time because –well– bad guys, but 90% of the time I was smiling like a loon!
I loved Penny & John in this book SO MUCH! (Wow, how many times can I click the caps lock button during this review?!)
They were so different from one another, but they complemented each other near-perfect. They both had weaknesses and strengths that the other didn’t have, and YES they butt heads a bit, but in the end they worked WITH each other and really balanced one another out.
I really enjoyed the mystery/intrigue plot of this story. We were in the THICK of it, and the *happy sigh* romance just happened to blossom around it.
This is already on my “re-read list”. It. Was. So. Good. I’m so happy I read it.
4.5/5 stars!
*I received this book from the author**I was not required to give a positive rating**All opinions are my own*
“The first time Penny had laid eyes on McCall, he’d been standing there with a smoking gun.”
–Thoughts from Penny Scott
Love comes in all sizes, colors, and shapes. Considering the tomboyish demeanor of Penny Scott, a man holding a smoking gun is really not far from what she should have expected for the love of her life. However, since I have background knowledge from the first two books of the series, I might have expected Penny to be holding the smoking gun on him.
After an unconventional introduction and being harnessed with Penny as a witness to the shooting, John McCall, a genuine Pinkerton agent, finds himself kidnapped along with Penny by three mysterious strangers. Pooling their skills, John and Penny manage to escape only to find themselves trapped into exchanging unwanted and unexpected wedding vows.
The unconventional wedding is just the beginning of their shared adventures. John’s work brought him to the Tahoe area and into the Scotts’ life. The mysterious kidnapping could be tied to his case if he and Penny can just figure out the hows and whys and get the bad guys.
Read this action packed adventure story to see if another mismatch couple can work their way to marital bliss in the Wild West. Or will they move to the city and live happily ever after? Filled with family, friendship, good guys, and bad guys, book three is great fun. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical western full of Mary Connealy’s great humor!
This ARC copy was received from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Put a city slicker and a wild mountain woman together and you have Penny and John. And when they are kidnapped together, they find a way to escape, so now they are in the middle of the High Sierras running for thei life.
This is such an amazing read. Penny and John were completely different people but they fit together so well. And the other characters were so well developed and they were such nice people, and so well written I feel like I have a new family as friends! I enjoyed the history throughout the book, it gives readers the feeling of being there and living the story with the characters. And I can’t leave out the beautiful cover of this book! It’s beautiful and fits the story well. One other thing is the way Mary Connealy weaves the Christian live into her characters. And she does it in such a subtle way, it just feels right, and it doesn’t stand out in the story. I just love everything about this book! And you need to read it to find out everything going on! The Unexpected Champion is Book three in the series. I didn’t read books one and two but you need to read them together. I read this for a review, so I plan to read them all in order next week! It will be a treat! I highly recommend this book to anyone, but if you are a historical fiction buff, then you will love this one!
I received this book from JustReads Tours to read and review. I was not required to write al positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Mary Connealy’s conclusion to her High Sierra Sweethearts Trilogy is the best yet.
Once again, she proves why she is the queen of western romantic comedies. I have never laughed as hard as I did while reading this book. I enjoyed Penny Scott in The Reluctant Warrior, but reading her own story made me like her even more. She thinks she’s smarter than John McCall, and in a way, she is. But she slowly realizes that John is smart in other ways. Like disguises. The Unexpected Champion is full of adventure and comedy that will keep you turning pages long past your bedtime. You’ve been warned.
For the full review, check out my blog at https://justjenniferpurcell.com/2019/03/22/just-read-the-unexpected-champion-by-mary-connealy/.
Mystery, romance and a few kisses lie in these pages!
Penny Scott is a heroine with mettle, she can out track, outshoot and outsmart many a man. . . until John McCall comes along. In order to solve the identity of some very nasty men, they are thrown together and what ensues is nothing short of a riotous read!
I’m unabashedly a huge fan of Mary Connealy’s books. She has the brilliant knack of writing funny, thrilling, and romantic scenes which sweep you into the pages of her books and make you feel as if you’re part of the action.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not expected to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sometimes I just need a Mary Connealy fix, and The Unexpected Champion reminds me of why I enjoy her books so much. This story entertains and satisfies with all that I love about Connealy’s writing – western settings, complex characters, romantic tension, never-ending suspense, faith applied to daily life, and the most delightful humor.
Connealy excels at drawing the reader into time and place – Nevada’s Lake Tahoe area of 1868, in this instance. The High Sierra terrain was easy to visualize – ruggedly beautiful, yet unforgiving when it came to cliffs, water, and elements of nature. This awesome setting becomes a major character in itself. In Connealy’s words, it was “a land where everyone needed a champion, and everyone needed to be a champion.”
I look forward to reading the previous two books in this series, but while characters and unresolved threads continue throughout, The Unexpected Champion works as a standalone. I do recommend reading the stories straight through for the best reading experience, however.
There’s so much to like in the appealing lead characters, Penny and John. Penny was strong, fast, quick thinking, and knowledgeable about the woods. John had a natural desire to protect Penny, yet soon came to realize he was better with her at his side.
Excitement? Plenty! Let me just set the scene … The story opens just after Penny and John have been involved with the defensive killing of a villain. Shortly thereafter, they are kidnapped, somehow manage to escape, flee through the woods for several days. And that’s just the beginning. I doubt you would believe me if I said everything escalates from there, so that’s something you can discover for yourself.
I adore the cover, so reflective of the story’s content, and had to smile because I’m not sure John and Penny ever looked that clean. The bad guys are … well, bad. Very bad. And I loved how, just when I was confident of having everything figured out, another unexpected twist came my way. Several unexpected twists, to be exact, including an unexpected villain. And there’s two secondary characters whose stories beg to be told – Adam and Utah.
Definitely recommended!
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours and Bethany House. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The conclusion to the High Sierra Sweethearts series did not disappoint! Full of adventure, humor, and tough characters with tender hearts. I enjoyed getting to know Penny more, and John had some surprises up his sleeve in this book! He has a great attitude, and I was impressed that he was so proactive in hunting down his kidnapper instead of remaining a victim. Penny and he are a great match as they both learn from each other’s very different skill set. I liked the new settings the characters explored and the new types of adventure as they investigate in the city. I felt like this third book brought something fresh to the series as well as wrapping up the loose ends of the mystery and bringing more of the characters we fell in love with in the first two books. I’d love to read novellas for Adam and Utah!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
The Unexpected Champion was a well-written conclusion to a fun series. It was full of adventure and danger in the wilderness, as well as plenty of romantic tension. The author did a good job of providing satisfying conclusions to all of the various threats that the characters of the three books in this series have been working to survive.
Each book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series definitely leads to the next story, so I would highly recommend starting with book one and enjoying the stories in order. Both of the previous books had a main threat that is overcome within the novel, yet there was always something that the reader knew would probably lead to trouble for the upcoming story.
The Unexpected Champion gives the exciting final wrap up and provides the reader with the satisfaction of seeing all of the main characters looking toward the future. I enjoyed this story and this series a lot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was an intriguing, historical drama and romance book. Although this is book 3 in the High Sierra Sweetheart series, it can be read as a standalone book. If you’ve read the other books then you will recognize some of the characters mentioned but this story primarily focuses on Penny and John.
I liked how Penny and John worked together and used each other strengths to help in gathering clues and trying to capture a wanted man. This story had a good, steady pace. Lots of western action-I really enjoyed it!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.