Gallagher's Pride by MK McClintock: Review, Interview & Giveaway!

Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family.

As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time-he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.

I GIVE THE BOOK: 4 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

I read this book in one night and thought it was very enjoyable. I was drawn into the story immediately and found it to be very detailed, but not too much to make it annoying. I could picture the setting of each location perfectly in my mind.

Brenna was such a likable character. I felt so bad for all the sorrow she had gone through and wanted to see things turn around for her. Ethan on the other hand I didn't like much at the beginning and at the end of the story I liked him even less. However, I really liked Ethan's brother, Gabriel, and his sister, Eliza.

I thought that some parts of the story seemed a bit of a stretch, like when Brenna leaves Scotland to go to America. I can't believe that she would go all that way by herself when she obviously had enough money to have hired a traveling companion. Women in those days seemed to take great care to keep their reputations unsoiled and by traveling alone, that more than likely would have happened - regardless of whether anything happened to her or not.

For people who are easily offended by cursing, I want to make sure that they know that this book does have some of that in it. I personally don't care for books that have too much of it - I honestly prefer that there be none, but I can understand it being used if it is in context, not just thrown in every other sentence. This book only seemed to use it once in a while, which to me was okay - not the greatest but I can tolerate that.

Towards the end, the story seemed very rushed and a bit chaotic. Even so, I still want to read the next book in the series, especially since it is about Gabriel. I would recommend Gallagher's Pride, but only to those who don't mind a bit of mild language in the books they read.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of it - which I have done.***

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Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/Gallaghers-Pride-First-Gallagher-Novels/dp/1456346814/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1325974711&sr=8-2

Excerpt:

“Are you out of your mind?” The words tumbled from her mouth before she could stop them, but he had gone and truly shocked her.
“No actually I’m not. It’s your safety I’m thinking of,” replied Ethan, more to himself than her. He loosened the hold on her arm.
Brenna let out an exasperated sigh, something her mother had always tried to discourage, and said, “I do appreciate your kindness, Mr. Gallagher...”
“Ethan.”
“…Ethan, but I’m certainly not the type of woman to just go home with two men whether I know them or not. It would be highly inappropriate, not to mention stupid.”
“And you’re not stupid.”
“Not as far as I can tell,” Brenna said with fire in her eyes. She rarely ever took offense at what people said, too comfortable in her own skin to care, but this man riled her and he did it effortlessly.

INTERVIEW:

M.K., welcome to Hardcover Feedback! Would you tell us a little about yourself?
It is a pleasure to be here with you today at Hardcover Feedback! Seeing as how I’m generally not keen on talking about myself, I’ll give you the quick and dirty version. I’m an entrepreneur and baker who happens to have a lot of hobbies, one of which used to be writing. After years of that particular hobby, I took the plunge and published. When I’m not working, writing or baking sweet treats, I can usually be found in the garden (when the weather suits) or enjoying all of the outdoor beauty Montana has to offer.

What or who made the biggest influence on you wanting to become a writer?
How many people say their mother? Well, I’m another one who claims that the great lady in our lives had a big impact, but mostly because of her constant support in everything I’ve done. As for actually being a writer – that’s easy. Every writer who came before me – the good ones and the not so good ones.

What was the first book you ever wrote about and was it ever published?
Heavens no and that’s a good thing! It would actually be a YA novel now I suppose as it was written while in that age group. It was a story about three best friends going through the everyday struggles all young people face. I wrote for a school extra credit assignment.

Do you have any writing habits that people might find unusual?
Unusual? I wouldn’t think so, except that when I write I like the room to be cold. I’d rather put on a sweater or wear a scarf than have the room ever above 55 degrees, though cooler doesn’t bother me either.

Do you have a favorite character or one that is especially close to your heart?
Brenna Cameron in Gallagher’s Pride would have to be my favorite, mostly because she has spunk – I always like characters with some grit, especially if they’re flawed.

What is something that you have always wanted to do, but just haven't gotten around to it yet?
Drive a horse and wagon team. In the movies, it always looks like so much fun, not to mention a challenge and I have a fondness for westerns.

What is your all-time favorite book?
Nope, can’t pick just one.

Other than yourself, who is your favorite author?
I’m not even one of my favorites! J Kathleen E. Woodiwiss with Edward Rutherford a close second.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In the summer I’m either working in the gardens, swimming in the lake, or hiking a mountain. In the winter (when we have a normal winter with lots of snow) I can be found snowshoeing in the woods. Anytime of the year, I can be found in the kitchen baking up something sweet or outside taking photographs…I like to keep pretty busy.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Earlier the better. This morning it was 4:30am. I usually wind down and crash about 9pm, so unless I’m sick, I’m up before the sun.

What is your favorite TV show and/or movie?
TV show – don’t have a favorite. Movie – The Scarlet Pimpernel (with Anthony Andrews)

If you had the opportunity to go anywhere you wanted, at anytime in history, where would you go and why?
I have to pick two! First would be late 19th century in Montana Territory (subject of my book) because that’s the life I always imagined I’d want to live if given the choice. And the High Middle Ages in the Scottish Highlands because wow, the history would amazing and I have a fondness for historical battles which that time and place in history did not lack.

You are given an unlimited budget to plan your ultimate party. Please describe it (i.e. Where would it take place? Who would be on the guest list? What would be on the menu? Would there be a theme? etc.).
I don’t like parties! Not kidding – I’m the person, who given a choice between going to the most amazing party in the world or staying home in sweats to watch a favorite movie and eat pizza…yep, I’m the one who chooses to stay home. But if we’re imagining…the party would be set outdoors on the Isle of Islay (Scotland). I would hire Elaine MacDonald-Coulter from Tigh na Sgiath to prepare anything and everything she wanted because she is the most amazing chef (of course her haggis would be on the menu along with so many other delectable wonders). Seeing the theme? Scotland of course. Bagpipes, dancing, kilts – every old and modern tradition would be present. I would forgo sweats and pizza for that party.

What are you currently working on?
The second book of the Montana Gallagher series – the story of Gabriel Gallagher and Isabelle Rousseau.

Where can people connect with you online?
Blog: http://mkmcclintock.blogspot.com
Website: http://www.mkcclintock.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MKMcClintockMT

Thank you so much M.K. for being on Hardcover Feedback!

 

GIVEAWAY:

There will be a giveaway at the end of this tour for three signed copies of Gallagher's Pride, so be sure to to leave a comment on this post for a chance to win! For even more chances of winning, visit the other stops on this tour, to view the full list go to VBT Cafe post, Meet & Greet with M.K. McClintock!  The more you comment, the more chances you have of winning!

Also, if you are a member of Goodreads, there is another giveaway of this book. Three copies are being given away, to three different winners. The giveaway ends March 31. Be sure to read the terms & conditions before entering. To enter this giveaway go HERE. Good luck!