Merry Christmas From All Of The Girls At Books-n-Kisses
Kimberly reviews Make A Christmas Wish by Julia Williams
TITLE: Make A Christmas Wish
CHARACTERS: Livvy, Adam, Emily & Joe
AUTHOR: Julia Williams
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What’s your secret wish this Christmas?
*What will you wish for this Christmas?*
Last Christmas, when Livvy was knocked down in the supermarket car park she certainly wasn’t ready to actually be dead! For months now she’s floated on the edge of the afterlife, generally making a nuisance of herself.
And she’s not ready to go just yet! She’s furious about the new woman in her husband’s life and she’s worried about her beloved son who doesn’t seem to be adjusting to life without her at all.
This Christmas, Livvy is given one last magical chance to make everything right. Will she take the gift she’s been given to create the perfect family Christmas?
REVIEW:
This is a simple holiday ghost story of a woman who loves her family and wants to make sure they are taken care of before she moves on. But it’s not as simple as find a new love for her husband and drift away.
Her son sees her but nobody believes him since he has Aspergers and his dad doesn’t believe in ghosts. Then there is Adam who was already having an affair with Emily and of course Livvy can’t imagine Adam being with Emily since she was already coming between their marriage.
Then there is also Malaki, Livvy’s spirit guide, who shows her how her life really was and how much she drank that caused the separation with Adam. And she also has a chance to live again for 24 hours. She has to decide what is right and what is best for the man she once loved and her son.
This is a well written story with perspectives of different family members in different forms. To be honest I can imagine this making a great made for tv Christmas movie. Are you listening Hallmark Channel?
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Snowflake Wishes by Maggie McGinnis
TITLE: Snowflake Wishes
SERIES #: Echo Lake #1.5
CHARACTERS: Noah & Piper
AUTHOR: Maggie McGinnis
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/13/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Noah Drake was that guy–the one always on the lookout for his next adrenaline high, so it was no surprise when he took off across the world, seeking adventure as a travel writer. But one thing he could never escape was Piper Bellini, the girl who got away–the girl he let get away, a fact he’s never let himself forget. When he returns to Echo Lake to see if there’s any chance the flame between them can be rekindled, he never expects to spend the night holed up with Piper in a roadside diner while a blizzard rages outside. It’s exactly the kind of situation that sent Piper running years ago. But this time, Noah may have been handed a Christmas miracle, and he intends to make all of his and Piper’s wishes come true…
REVIEW:
This is a short 70 page story. I would say it is a holiday story but really there is not much holiday involved in the story. Now that being said it is a fine story. Not great but not bad either. I just never felt any connection between the two characters.
Weirdly enough this story felt way too long. There was too much drama that really just wasn’t all that interesting to me. But I will say that I liked the idea of the snowflake wishes. That is a really sweet idea that the reader included in the story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Snowflakes On Silver Cove by Holly Martin
TITLE: Snowflakes On Silver Cove
SERIES #: White Cliff Bay #2
CHARACTERS: Libby & George
AUTHOR: Holly Martin
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Libby Joseph is famous for her romantic Christmas stories. Every December, readers devour her books of falling in love against the magical backdrop of the Christmas season. If only Libby believed in the magic herself…
Struggling to finish her current novel, Libby turns to her best friend and neighbour George Donaldson to cheer her up. But George also needs a bit of support himself. Nervous about getting back into the dating saddle after splitting from his wife, he and Libby strike a deal. She will teach George how to win over the ladies, and Libby will in turn be inspired to inject her novel with a good dose of romance.
As Libby and George explore the beautiful White Cliff Bay on a series of romantic Christmas-themed dates, Libby finds herself having more fun than she’s had in ages and…discovers feelings that she never knew she had for George.
But is it too late? Will George win someone else’s heart or can Libby act like the heroine in one of her stories and reach for her own love under the mistletoe this Christmas?
Snuggle up with a piece of Christmas cake and mulled wine, and spend the festive season at White Cliff Bay. You won’t want to leave! Christmas at Lilac Cottage also out now.
REVIEW:
This is a wonderfully written sweet holiday story that will put you in the Christmas mood.
Libby and George are friends who both need a bit of help. Libby needs some inspiration for the book she is writing and George needs to learn how to romance again after his divorce. The dates are a humorous time. I enjoyed reading them very much and yet they are still romantic and sweet. George is a little insecure for me but a good guy. I wish he had been more alpha than he was but he is still a guy you would want your best friend to date.
I enjoyed the secondary romance of Amy and Seb as well.
Grab a cup of cocoa, a warm blanket and curl up and read. You won’t want to stop.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews A Cold Creek Christmas Story by RaeAnne Thayne
TITLE: A Cold Creek Christmas Story
SERIES #: Cowboys of Cold Creek #14
CHARACTERS: Celeste, Flynn & Olivia
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sparkle In The Snow Leads To So Much More
Celeste Nichols has always preferred to keep to herself in her hometown of Pine Gulch, Idaho…until she becomes an instant celebrity! When one of her children’s stories becomes a major success, she’s suddenly the talk of the town. Celeste should be gloriously happy…but something, someone, special is still missing from her life. Could the return of her childhood crush be the answer?
Flynn Delaney has moved back home for his daughter’s sake. Yet all the millionaire’s resources can’t help the little girl heal from the tragic loss of her mother. Shy librarian Celeste and her stories do hold some indefinable magic, though. Flynn came home looking for support—can he find that, and true love, in the one who got away?
REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This was a sweet perfect get you in the holiday type story with all emotions that can possibly be felt.
In the last book Celeste wrote a book about Sparkle the reindeer and in this story the book has hit the bestsellers list and is even up for a movie deal. As a quiet small town librarian and with the history she has she just wants to be out of the limelight. And then Flynn comes in with his adorable daughter who has been through her own traumatic experience. And Celeste doesn’t think she can stop her heart from loving either of them.
I really liked Celeste even though she is very quiet and not one for big adventures but she has a heart of gold and wants nothing more than to please her family and the children who patron the library and The Christmas Ranch. Even though she is quiet something about her really calls to the book lover in all of us. Flynn is a father who is trying to get the little girl back to herself after her experience that caused her physical and emotional scars. And then there is Olivia who was written wonderfully. So many times children are written either too old or too young for the age the book claims they are but Olivia really sounded like a 7 year old.
This story is really more about Celeste and Olivia than about Celeste and Flynn even though the romance is there and sweet between them this is more about the relationship two children have with the past both recent and a decade before. It is very touching. It is a read any fan of romance will enjoy.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly reviews Ravaged by Elisabeth Naughton
TITLE: Ravaged (A 1001 Dark Nights Story)
SERIES #: Eternal Guardians #7.5
CHARACTERS: Aristokler & Daphne
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton
PUBLICATION DATE: June 9, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ari—Once an Eternal Guardian, now he’s nothing but a rogue mercenary with one singular focus: revenge.
His guardian brothers all think he’s dead, but Ari is very much alive in the human realm, chipping away at Zeus’s Sirens every chance he can, reveling in his brutality and anonymity. Until, that is, he abducts the wrong female and his identity is finally exposed. It will take more than the Eternal Guardians, more even than the gods to rein Ari in after everything he’s done. It may just take the courage of one woman willing to stand up to a warrior who’s become a savage.
REVIEW:
Aristokle “Ari” has been living a lie for 50 years. He has let everyone he loves think he was dead. He has justified it to himself over and over again. But what Ari doesn’t know is that the Fates have a plan for him. A plan that is going to be hard, heartbreaking and worth more than he could ever imagine or wish for. If only he can open his eyes and see what is right in front of him.
I really enjoyed this novella in the Eternal Guardians series. I think I went through every emotion in this story. I am looking forward to seeing what is next and I really hope someone fries Zeus’s butt!!!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Evil Eye Concepts in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kelly reviews Teased by Rebecca Zanetti
TITLE: Teased- A 1001 Dark Nights Novella
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #7.5
CHARACTERS: Chalton Reese & Olivia Roberts
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: December 8, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Hunter
For almost a century, the Realm’s most deadly assassin, Chalton Reese, has left war and death in the past, turning instead to strategy, reason, and technology. His fingers, still stained with blood, now protect with a keyboard instead of a weapon. Until the vampire king sends him on one more mission; to hunt down a human female with the knowledge to destroy the Realm. A woman with eyes like emeralds, a brain to match his own, and a passion that might destroy them both—if the enemy on their heels doesn’t do so first.
The Hunted
Olivia Roberts has foregone relationships with wimpy metro-sexuals in favor of pursuing a good story, bound and determined to uncover the truth, any truth. When her instincts start humming about missing proprietary information, she has no idea her search for a story will lead her to a ripped, sexy, and dangerous male beyond any human man. Setting aside the unbelievable fact that he’s a vampire and she’s his prey, she discovers that trusting him is the only chance they have to survive the danger stalking them both.
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts EEKKKK!!!! Another Dark Protectors story? Yes, please and thank you very much!!!!
I just love this series and was super excited to see that Ms. Zanetti wrote another story for us. It was great to finally get to see Chalton in action. Poor guy has had to wait a very long time to get his story. But boy was it worth it. Chalton found his match in the feisty journalist that is about to expose the Realms dark secrets.
I don’t want to tell you to much, but there is a lot of sass, shooting, punching, a few incidence of being thrown over a shoulder or two and some very yummy smexy time.
If you are new to the Dark Protector series never fear!!!! Teased can easily be read as a standalone novella. Fan’s get this book!!!!
I for one am super excited for Jared’s book!!!
Favorite line:
“You shot at me” he said mildly, pressing into the booth.
“I didn’t hit you,” Jared returned, pushing a shot of vodka from the home world his way. “I almost hit you in the leg just for fun, but I thought it might freak out the woman to much.”
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kelly reviews Sleeping Beau by Lila DiPasqua
TITLE: Sleeping Beau
SERIES #: Fiery Tales #4
CHARACTERS: Adrien d’Aspe & Catherine de Villecourt
AUTHOR: Lila DiPasqua
PUBLICATION DATE: Release December 14, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N-Coming soon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Inspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty—an erotically charged historical romance novella from the acclaimed Fiery Tales series. One sleeping rake, one scorching kiss, one night of unforgettable passion…
Five years ago, the notorious rake, Adrien d’Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss–and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory.
Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress–and this time, he has no intention of letting her go…
**NOTE: Originally published in the AWAKENED BY A KISS anthology.
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts
***Sleeping Beau is the re-release of Awakened by A Kiss***
Sleeping Beau was a sweet twist on Sleeping Beauty!! Ms. DiPasqua always does an amazing job of taking a classic fairy tale and turns and twists it into a Fiery Tale with a great historical twist and a little bit of truth.
I really loved the journey of Adrien & Catherine. Adrien is out to prove to everyone that he needs and cares about no one. Catherine on the other hand only want someone to love her. Adrien and Catherine’s banter is a lot of fun. Adrien is not a man who is use to woman turning him down, but Catherine does everything in her power to resist him. But unfortunately for Catherine and fortunately for Adrien resists is futile.
If you are looking for a fun Fiery Tale about a rakish bad boy and a sweet, feisty female you need to pick up a copy of Sleeping Beau and find out why waking up to true loves morning kiss is the only way to go.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kimberly reviews Cold Blooded by Lisa Regan
TITLE: Cold-Blooded
CHARACTERS: Augustus & Jocelyn
AUTHOR: Lisa Regan
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/10/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fourteen years ago, high school track star Sydney Adams was gunned down in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. The investigation yielded useless clues, and the case went cold. But homicide detective Augustus Knox never gave up on finding Sydney’s killer. Now, retired from the police force and with only months to live, he enlists the help of private investigator Jocelyn Rush to clear the case once and for all.
Armed with little more than a theory as to who murdered Sydney, Jocelyn tries to lure a killer into the open. But unraveling the mystery means facing off against a cunning psychopath whose ruthlessness knows no bounds. When more bodies start to pile up, Jocelyn has to decide just how far she’s willing to go to catch a cold-blooded killer.
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts WOW! What a great story. This story kept me on the edge of my seat. I haven’t read any of the other books by Regan and my understanding is Joelyn was introduced in an earlier story but this story was read as a stand alone and was fine.
I enjoyed the characters very much. They are real down-to-earth people. They aren’t written to be the people the reader wants to become. They are written to let the reader know there are real people in this world that all have stories. I know that sounds weird but it is the way I felt about these fascinating characters.
The thriller part of this story was just that… a thrill. It was a ride that I didn’t want to stop. And while I couldn’t wait to read more I didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend this book and I am assuming the whole series to anyone who enjoys a good suspense with a bit of romance thrown in.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Give It Up by Lori Foster
TITLE: Give It Up
SERIES #: Dean Brothers & Friends #1-3
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/24/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster knows what to do with the right man at the right time…
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
What Booker Dean wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires…and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping…
Some Like It Hot
Family practitioner Cary Rupert wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s just what the doctor ordered…
Playing Doctor
Dr. Axel Dean likes his women with sensual moxie, not virginal innocence. But when Libby Preston won’t take no for an answer, Axel is more than willing to administer the cure…
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I was going to review the three stories separately but all the stories can be put together very easily. My favorite was definitely Axel’s story (Playing Doctor). Booker and Carys stories are sweet. But the thing is the boys have met the woman they have a crush on and are finally making it official and talking the women into becoming involved. Booker is a good guy but a little too soft for me. Cary is sweet too but seems to think he is cooler than he is. And I enjoyed their stories but it is Axel’s story that brought the review up from 3.5 hearts.
I just found Axel to be great. I loved the first part of the story with these strangers and how Axel reacts to the situation is pretty spot on but what he does after their second meeting is what won my heart. As per the norm when reading a short story it is hard to tell the parts we enjoyed because it will give away too much story but I can say I am glad that Lori saved the best for last.
This would be a great set of stories to have to read between novels. You can read one in short order without much commitment. You can just have each story to read when you have the time and are looking for a sweet quick romance.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly reviews Malibu Secrets by MK Meredith
TITLE: Malibu Secrets
SERIES #: Malibu Sights#2
CHARACTERS: Roque Gallagher & Addison Dekker
AUTHOR: MK Meredith
PUBLICATION DATE: December 14, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On the verge of losing the Malibu home she inherited from her great-aunt, Addi Dekker is completely failing to prove to her family she can make it as a writer. Not exactly how a girl proves her independence. If she doesn’t want to give up her dream and go back to the soul-sucking job she just left, Addi has to swallow her dislike of Hollywood and rent the house out to the sexy-as-hell film producer.
And maybe (shhhh!) save money by secretly living there, too.
Roque Gallagher is pouring his heart and savings into his first independent film to make the industry acknowledge him for his talent and not just his family name. Addi’s home is perfect for the shoot, but she’s far too tempting. He’s never been able to handle work and a relationship, and this is the film of a lifetime. Between a shrinking budget and his director quitting, the last thing he needs is a sexy-as-sin tease like Addi. And he has a feeling there’s something she’s hiding.
REVIEW:
Malibu Secrets is MK Meredith’s second book in her Malibu Sights series. I didn’t read book one yet, not sure how I missed it. But I will be going back and reading. I did enjoy Malibu Secrets. I really liked Addi and Roque. They both are beyond stubborn and will do anything to fulfill their dreams. While the story was a little predictable the ride was very enjoyable.
I am looking forward to seeing what and how is next 🙂
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews All He Wants for Christmas by Elisabeth Naughton, Alexandra Ivy, Cynthia Eden, Katie Reus, Laura Wright, and Skye Jordan
TITLE: All He Wants for Christmas (An Anthology)
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton, Alexandra Ivy, Cynthia Eden, Katie Reus, Laura Wright, and Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From six of your favorite New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors…
Here’s to finding spies, cops, rockers, SEALs, professional hockey players and billionaires under the Christmas tree this year!
MELT FOR ME by Elisabeth Naughton
Yuletide Spirits pub owner Ella McKinley doesn’t do holidays. Not after everything she lost on a cold, snowy night long ago. In fact, she’d be perfectly happy if the calendar jumped from November to January, bypassing December all together. Then rock’s latest “it” guy, Tate Kendrick, rolls into town, and though Ella tries to resist his wicked charm, the heat they once shared flares hotter than ever. When trouble linked to the rock star strikes at her pub, Ella suddenly starts to wonder if the return of her first love is a holiday miracle or nothing more than her nightmare before Christmas.
SWEET RAPTURE by Alexandra Ivy
Meg Anderson has returned to her home in Holly, North Carolina after she discovered her relationship with Dylan Cain was nothing more than a lie. The last thing she expects is for Dylan to be her new tenant. Or the realization that he might be the only thing standing between her and a killer…
THE SPY WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS by Cynthia Eden
Everyone in town thinks that Jemma White is as sweet as the delicious treats she makes at her chocolate shop—but they’re wrong. Jemma is ready to let her wild side out, and she’s just found the perfect man to make all of her fantasies come true. Grayson Cole is a too-sexy-to-be-true stranger who has escaped to Holly for the holidays. He is her perfect temptation, and Jemma can’t wait to steam up the cold winter nights with him. But when danger from Grayson’s past follows him to town, she realizes that the man she is falling for has been keeping some very dark secrets…secrets that may just get them both killed.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY by Katie Reus
After unexpectedly inheriting a bookstore, Nora and her younger sister settled in Holly, NC, a place where it’s Christmas year-round. As the legal guardian for her sister the past few years, romance has been the last thing on Nora’s mind. But she broke her rules for the town’s golden boy—former SEAL Jackson O’Connor. When Jackson does something stupid and almost loses Nora for good, he realizes just how far he’s willing to go for the woman who’s stolen his heart. But it might take a Christmas miracle to get Nora to give him a second chance.
SINFUL IN SNOW by Laura Wright
Billionaire Back In Town: Gabriel Fox is a ruthless, heartless, soulless grinch. His only goal in coming to Holly, North Carolina is to ruin Carol Cardini’s Christmas. Like she ruined his—and his life—ten years ago. Now that her business is in trouble, he’s finally found the way. But the beautiful owner of Christmas Carol’s Shop and Crafts won’t allow her dream to be destroyed. Not by revenge, and certainly not by the sexiest man she’s ever known. She can, however offer an apology, and a chair at her holiday table. But can a grinch’s cold heart be warmed and healed by the love of a good woman—and the magic of Christmas spirit?
HOME ADVANTAGE by Skye Jordan
NHL superstar, Meier Grant, finds himself sidelined for a bum shoulder and sentenced to three weeks recovery—in his hometown of Holly, North Carolina. But an extended family stay isn’t on his holiday wish list, especially when his parents are more interested in capitalizing on his fame than much needed family bonding. So when he learns the high school beauty and so out-of-his-league Faith Nicholas is suddenly single, and even sexier ten years later, home doesn’t seem so bad. Not when it includes spending some quality bonding time with Faith. Meier may have some of the best moves in the league, but will they be enough to win a woman deserving of forever?
Collection: 150,000 words
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts
Since this is an anthology featuring six wonderful authors I will give you a brief review of each story. Welcome to Holly, North Carolina where Christmas abounds 24-7-365!!!
Melt For Me:
This was a sweet second chance at love story. I really enjoyed Ella and Tate. I loved the back-story and the issues that kept them apart for so long. These two are most definitely a couple that I hope Ms. Naughton will bring back at sometime in the future. I would love to know what the future holds for them
Sweet Rapture:
Too cute! That is how I would describe this story. Dylan & Meg are just to darn cute. The suspense was a little unexpected but it was a nice twist. I loved that Dylan was willing to rick everything for a second chance. And that Meg was able make one of Dylan a life long dream come true.
The Spy Who Came For Christmas:
Grayson may just be passing through town, or a least that is what he thinks he is doing right up until he sees the town’s beautiful chocolatier. Jemma is the good girl in town, the girl that never does anything bad or reckless. But one look at Grayson, that all is about to change. Loved these two and this story
Merry Christmas, Baby:
Great story. I loved Jackson and Nora. They are both so sweet and kind. I loved how they dealt with the break in’s and how Jackson gave Brad the “I am going to kill you if you look at my girl” look.
Sinful in Snow:
What does it take to bring a billionaire bad boy to his knees? That is a simple answer that Gabriel Fox is about to realize. Carol Cardini!! The girl that Gabriel has wanted to seek revenge on for the last 10 years. Poor guy, he is not going to know what hit him.
Really enjoyed this story. Gabriel is a total pain in the butt and Carol makes sure he knows it.
Home Advantage:
What could be better than a superstar who knows he is hot sh*t coming home and finding out that his superstar powers will not work on the town’s very pretty hardware store owner. I loved this story. I loved that Faith didn’t let Meier’s superstardom cloud her judgement. And I loved that Meier is not above begging and groveling. 🙂
I truly enjoyed all of these stories. If you are looking for six wonderful Christmas stories to get you in the holiday spirit, then you need to plan a trip to Holly, North Carolina. Where you could not hide from Christmas even if you wanted to.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Katie Reus in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.