A delightful historical read, with amusing characters. I enjoy how Mary Connealy writes and draws the reader in!

What an adventure!

There were outlaws and kidnapping right off the bat. That set a great tone for this western, and I loved every minute of what followed.

The way the forced marriage happened was such a blast.

I liked the manhunt as well as the treasure hunt.

The theme of saving one’s family was superb and a definite highlight.

Content: replacement expletives, tattoo, gambling

Love Mary's books, just don't have time to write a review. Love the relationship between the main characters, the clean romance, and the setting. It's what I look for in a book when I need to relax.

What happens when you take complete opposites, put them in mortal danger, then send them out into the wilderness where they must rely on each other to survive? Well, hilarity, for one, because Mary Connealy knows how to bring humor smack into the middle of danger.
The family bonds in this series have been strong throughout, but I think they're even more evident in The Unexpected Champion. Penny and John have plenty of obstacles between them, but a strong sense of justice and willingness to do what's right keep bringing them together. I love that Penny never let herself be left behind and she always had something to offer that make her equal. No fainting flowers here, well, except for that one time, but we'll not ruin that.
Historical Fiction at its best. A classic enemies to lovers that will leave you laughing and turning pages through the very end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book wasn't what I was expecting for sure - but then I wasn't at all sure what to expect based on the cover! Still, I liked it better than book 1 and a bit better than book two! I think both of those were good books, but this one was a much BETTER book. I think the author's writing has improved a lot since book 1, too. Excited to see what Mary Connealy comes up with next!

4.5 Stars

THE UNEXPECTED CHAMPION is a story about a woman roughened by the wild west and a Pinkerton Detective from the city who find themselves in a whole lot of mess and get themselves out of it and after the bad guys together. Connealy's trademark wit and humor, memorable characters, and an exciting plot will entertain readers from beginning to end. Highly recommended to fans of the author and historical romantic suspense readers!

One thing you can always count on with Connealy's books is her quirky and memorable characters. This story is full of the sarcasm and banter between these characters, and the straight-forward approach of life in the wild west, where the law isn't always dependable and you have to be ready to protect your own. You don't need to have read the first two books in this series to read this one, but as characters and backstory from those is included in this one, it might make for a stronger connection with the story. There are references for where the reader needs to be filled in for those who need it.

I really fell in love with John and Penny, as well as the whole crew. John is quite a tease as he takes turns annoying Penny and trying to make her laugh, which he is quite successful at. Penny is pretty blunt and says it as it is, so John brought a little levity to the situations they find themselves in and keeps Penny distracted when she needs to be. The chemistry between these two gew as the story progresses and I liked how being stuck together as they get to know each other develops a strong relationship between the two of them. They are both really fun characters.

The plot is this roller-coaster of intense with some quiet moments here and there. I loved it! It was exciting, crazy, hilarious, and sweet in equal measures with a dose of inspirational moments mixed in. The villains were really hideous and came from different directions, so readers don't know exactly what is going on until the story unfolds.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This author always entertains and she certainly doesn't disappoint here! This story was enjoyable from beginning to end. If you're looking for something fun with characters you can love and a plot that will keep you turning pages, definitely grab this one.

Content: Some innuendo and violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through JustRead Tours, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.

My thoughts:
I have long loved Mary Connealy as an author. Unfortunately, I have not read the first two books in this series so I feel like I’m at a bit of a disadvantage. Her series are definitely ones you want to read in order. So quick pop over to her site and order books one, two, and three! You’re going to want to read this one so you should read the other two first. Get them on ebook and you can read them while you wait for book three to arrive by snail mail. Perfect timing.

First this is a crazy funny book. I loved it. Laughter followed me through the book. But it also contains some suspense and mystery. It’s not stop your heart don’t read after dark suspense but it’s good!

Who doesn’t love seeing two people forced into marriage? What about wearing disguises and pretending to be cranky and old oh and fat?! Hilarious. The year is 1868. Penny wears pants. Shes forced into marrying John because they were out, together, alone, for months. . . . or was it days? And were they really alone? Oh well. Rumor is she’s with child and it just keeps getting better!!

Will they stay married? Or will they not make it out alive?

Definitely, recommend not only this book but the whole series. I have been a fan of Mary Connealy’s writing for a while now and this has only cemented how much I love her works. Check her books out at the library, purchase them on Amazon, but get some in your hands and start reading. I do recommend you read her series in order though. You get the best read that way.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

This series by Mary Connealyhas been one of her best, and I think that this is my favorite book of the series. (You do not have to have read the series to enjoy this book. The author does a good job connecting the characters to fill in the background of what’s happened before.). I loved the character of Penny. She’s hard-working, smart, loyal, and unconventional for that time period. She’s also a woman with strong faith in God and high moral principles. All of these qualities are the things that draw John McCall to her after they are kidnapped and must escape together through the wilderness. Penny and John make a great couple, even though they are total opposites in many ways. Their love story is sweet and sassy, and made me smile as I was reading.

As always in a Mary Connealy book, there’s a element of humor that gives the story a light-hearted while always keeping the touch of suspense that keeps me turning pages to see what happens next. This is another entertaining story by this author and as always, I’m looking forward to the next one.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is another page turner from Mary Connealy. It grabbed me from the start, and I devoured it! I loved the time period and the western feel of the story. The book feels very authentic, with gorgeous scenery details and engaging characters you root for. I recommend getting the first two books in this series, if you haven’t read them yet, and The Accidental Guardian will become even richer, and you invest in these characters. Full of romance, humor, and history, this is Christian fiction at its best!

I admit, I did not read book #1 in this series, The Accidental Guardian. I did, however, read book #2, The Reluctant Warrior. I wasn’t at all lost going into book #2 without reading the 1st book, however, I think you would be very lost going into this book (the 3rd book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series) without reading the second book.

Book 3 basically takes over the same day as book 2 ends. I loved both books and now I know I have to read book 1 as well.

Spoiler alert!

While reading this book I realized I love stories of marriages of convenience/rescue… well, that is, when the characters fall in the love along the way. So, when Penny decided to marry John to save him from a noose around his neck, I was hooked. I can’t remember the last time I read a book in under three days. I don’t usually find time to devour a book that fast… unless I just can’t put it down.

This book was hilarious, right down to Penny and John (a Pinkerton agent) dressing in disguise as they solved the mystery of who kidnapped them. Going on the boots of one of the men, seeing as that’s all John could get a glimpse of.

This story did not disappoint on adventure, comedy, love, or, of course, mystery.

I don’t say this lightly… Mary Connelly has made the list of my favorite authors. In my opinion, she’s a delightful mix of Cathy Marie Hake and Lori Wick. Two more of my favorite authors.

Considering how much I loved this book, I can't imagine giving it any less than 5 stars!

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. I love it when books are this easy to rave about.

Pinkerton agent and city boy gets sent out west into the wilderness. This makes for a refreshing twist on the usual western romances.

Filled with Mary Connealy’s usual fun wit and cowboy humor, this is a great addition and amazing conclusion to this series.

There is just so many things that I love about this one. Strong-willed Penny, Charming John, the little adventure into the city, all the other characters, and on and on I could go. But I shall spare you as I do not want to give anything away.

I highly recommend this fun adventurous book, well the entire series actually. Another great must read from this author. Can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

It is a shame that some kindle books that I get don't have a cover because if you check out the cover on Goodreads or Amazon, it is stunning! I am so glad I was able to read The Unexpected Champion by Mary Connealy. I have read the first two books in the series and it was a pleasure to complete the series. John McCall is a Pinkerton agent, assigned to go out West, find a young boy and bring him home to his grandparents. Little does he know that the grandparents are up to no good and that they just want the boy for his inheritance. The young boy has actually been adopted by Cam and Gwen Scott and has a loving home. When John McCall happens to intervene in a shootout, he meets Cam's sister, Penny. She is fierce and is unlike any woman he has ever met. One moment of not paying attention and they are both kidnapped but manage to escape into the wilderness. Why were they kidnapped? Better yet, who is behind it? Penny and John go on a wild adventure to investigate those who are trying to bring them harm.

This has to be my favorite book in the series. I loved the previous books but they did not reel me in like this book. However, the reason for that is all in the characters. Penny is by far my favorite character in the previous books and I am so glad she finally got her own story. She is unbelievably fierce and no ordinary man would be able to compete with her. That is why John is so perfect for her. They both are witty and keep each other on their toes. I love the teasing banter back and forth between the two. It gave this novel some unexpected humor.

However, do not let the humor fool you. This book is jammed packed with action, adventure, and suspense. I love how in-depth the investigation is with all the disguises and intrigue. I loved this book from start to end and never felt bored. What a perfect conclusion to the series. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to Bethany House, NetGalley, and Mary Connealy for a copy of the book!

The Unexpected Champion is the third and my favorite from the High Sierra Sweethearts series by Mary Connealy. It is so sweet at times, hilarious at others with hold on to your seat action and adventure. I loved it!
I give The Unexpected Champion five plus stars. I highly recommend it!

Get ready to face kidnappers, murderers, and danger as Penny Scott and John McCall run for their lives while trying to figure out who is after them. Penny is a tough wilderness woman who can find food and survive in any wilderness. John is a city-dwelling Pinkerton agent who can disguise his identity instantly, and is the master of undercover methods. They can’t stand each other but will need all of their talents to discover who is trying to get rid of them. What follows is a wild romp in the 1860’s through the Lake Tahoe area.

Can Penny and John quit bickering with each other long enough to discover who is trying to kill them? Will the two of them be able to figure out the clues left by a dead man? If they uncover who their dangerous adversary is, will he be too strong and powerful for them to stop?

This thriller is full of action, excitement, a dash of romance, and a sprinkling of humor--all told in a clean story from a Christian perspective. The Unexpected Champion is the third installment in the High Sierra Sweethearts Series, but the story stands alone without reading the others. However, after enjoying this tale, you will want to get the rest of the series to discover the adventures these characters have had. I recommend this 5-star story to anyone who likes to be entertained, enjoys 1800’s stories, or well-written fiction.

If you’re looking for a story that is full of unexpected twists and turns, action, witty banter, and has a great setting, this is the story for you! The Unexpected Champion is the third book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series but it can be read as a stand-alone. It is my favorite of the series.

The action begins almost from the very first page - it was totally unexpected and caught me completely off guard! The banter back-and-forth between Penny and John is pretty funny - especially during some really intense scenes. I love Mary Connealy’s sense of humor! I also want Penny’s bag and everything inside of it!

The Unexpected Champion is the third book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series but it can be read as a Stand-alone. It is definitely my favorite of the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

John McCall is a Pinkerton agent sent to find the Chilton's grandson and bring him back to Philadelphia. But he ends up snowbound in the High Sierras and then arrives in the middle of a gunfight. He finds himself paired with Penny Scott as her family tries to find out who is behind the foul man who tried to murdered them all; but Penny and John are kidnapped and almost murdered. They espcape and after several days of misadventures find themselves back in Dismal and forced to marry at gunpoint.

This is a very fun read with many hilarious parts as well as serious issues that the characters must deal with and solve. Mary Conneally is a master of humorous but romantic historical novels. I highly recommend anything she writes.

The Unexpected Champion is a part of a series although it could probably stand alone; however knowing the other characters history makes it more enjoyable. 5 Star read. Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. This review is my expressed honest opinion.

This is book three from the High Sierra Sweethearts series. I have read all three of this series so far and love them all. Mary Connealy has a fun writing style, She keeps you interested with plenty of action, laughter, sparks and so much more. I would recommend you reading book one, Accidental Guardian, and book two, The Reluctant Warrior first to get a better understanding of what is going on in this book.

This book will focus on solving problems which developed in book one and two, also on Penny Scott and her unconventional ways. When Penny and the newcomer, John McCall find themselves in a very difficult situation it will forever alter their lives.

This novel is full of action, adventure, drama, sparks and much more. I enjoyed this entire series.

Mary Connealy’s feisty female leads are always entertaining and this story’s hero is a steady breeze. The addition of a rather inconvenient marriage of convenience seasons the plot with irresistible laugh out loud moments.

It’s no secret that Penny is an unconventional woman (for the time), she proudly dons her trousers right on the cover! John is a delightfully sensible fellow and humble enough to admit that his city-slicker skills don’t cut it in the wilderness. I love the way John admires Penny, spunk and all, from the beginning and then spends at least half the book trying to talk himself out of it when the admiration grows into attraction then affection.

Penny and John are a sweet example of opposites attraction, I love their chemistry and banter. The conclusion of the series arc was wonderfully satisfying and I hate to say goodbye to these dear fictional friends. I highly recommend this witty and adventurous series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The third book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series, The Unexpected Champion is as good as the other two. Mary Connealy is one of my favorite authors. Her writing flows easily, and is a good mix of humor, romance and history. I never get tired of her books and this was no exception. I like that she ended the series with a good wrap up of the lives of her characters. If you are looking for a good captivating story then this is a good fit.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, and this is my honest opinion.

This series has been more of a continuous story. It has made each book a challenge for me to get into because they aren't really standalones (at least not in my opinion). I did like reading the conclusion to the story though. I also did like John quite a bit. For a city slicker he was pretty impressive. I also like strong and independent women in books so they made a fun pair.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.