Category: Christmas Romance

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews It’s A Christmas Thing by Janet Daily

TITLE: It’s A Christmas Thing
CHARACTERS: Rush & Claire
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon BN

The best gifts last a lifetime . . .
Veterinarian J.T. “Rush” Rushford isn’t looking be his first without his beloved
four-year-old daughter, Claire. A year ago, Rush’s wife divorced him for another man–then broke his
heart further by revealing that Claire was her lover’s child. The final blow was Rush losing all parental
rights. Now he’s in Branding Iron, Texas, with his mobile vet practice, just hoping to get through the
season–until something like a Christmas miracle happens . . .
Turns out Claire’s parents are going on an extended cruise, leaving Rush to take her for the holidays. It’s
bittersweet, knowing that he and Claire will have to part again, maybe forever. . . . Until a smart, not to
mention beautiful, lady judge with a pregnant cat and an aging mutt takes a liking to the vet and his little
girl and gets involved. With her on their side, and love in their hearts, this Christmas just might be the
most joyous of all . . .
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 Hearts
REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
Oh how I loved this story. This is a great book to snuggle up with on the couch and fall into the Holiday
season.
Rush was madly in love with his daughter just to find out that he is not Claire’s dad, breaking his heart.
When Claire’s mom and her new boyfriend go on vacation they have to leave Claire with Rush. But there
is still sadness for Rush and Claire knowing they have to part soon. And then Rush’s new girlfriend brings
the fun back into the holidays.
What a delightful story. I loved Claire and her world of an old dog and a pregnant cat and of course Rush,
her favorite cowboy. To me this was Claire’s story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews The Matchmakers Mistletoe Mission by Jaci Burton

TITLE: The Matchmakers Mistletoe Mission
SERIES #: Boots and Bouquets 0.5
CHARACTERS: Clay Henry & Alice Weatherford
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: October 15, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon  | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton celebrates the gift of love and the holiday season with a snowy Christmas wedding at the Bellini family vineyard.

Stranded at the Red Moss Vineyard a week before her best friend’s wedding, LA native and professional matchmaker Alice Weatherford is not pleased with her first trip to Oklahoma, or the epic snowstorm forcing her to stay. So much for Christmas cheer. What she needs is a project, something to distract her…and, oh, has she found one in neighboring rancher Clay Henry. Gorgeous, charming, and unlike any other man she’s ever met, finding the right woman for Clay should be easy….

Having grown up with the Bellini sisters, it’s no hardship for Clay to ride out the storm at their cozy family vineyard, especially since that means spending time with their savvy and smart houseguest. But despite Alice’s best efforts, he’s not the least bit interested in her matchmaking….

Alice is the only woman Clay wants. Now he just has to convince the matchmaker herself to give love a chance.

REVIEW:
In The Matchmaker’s Mistletoe Mission we get to meet Alice Weatherford a matchmaker from LA visiting Red Moss Vineyard in Oklahoma for her best friend’s wedding. And Clay Henry a local Rancher who just happens to be at the Red Moss Vineyard during a record snow storm.

Alice believes that every good match starts with a list of questions and common interests. Clay on the other hand believes that ever good match starts with chemistry between two people.
I wonder who will win?

The Matchmaker’s Mistletoe Mission is the first novella in Jaci Burton’s new Boots and Boutique series and was a great quick read. I really enjoyed the new cast of characters that Mrs. Burton has introduced us to. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Santa In A Kilt by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Santa In A Kilt
CHARACTERS: Kira & Shay
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On the wild dunes of a Scottish Isle, mistletoe and mischief are the best way to heat up a holiday best shared by two . . .

The wind-whipped December sea air of the isle of Kinloch invigorates Kira MacLeod as she sets out to tame rugged Shay Callaghan. The Scottish bachelor may be as wary of a wedding ring as a snowman is of the hot sun, but it’s no secret how he looks at her—as if she were the only woman in the world. Now, with the encouragement of the canny islanders, and watching two of their best friends tie the knot in a romantic winter wedding, Kira will ignite Shay’s heart—and weave the perfect Celtic Christmas to say aye do . . .

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Originally in Unwrapped

This is a cute Christmas novella that is a fast read of romance. Shay doesn’t believe in love and but Kira does and he knows to be with her he needs to figure out what love really is.

I enjoyed the story and wish it has been a bit longer. I will say that as a fan of Kauffman I can see that she has grown in her writings over the last decade (originally published in 2011).

That being said still a cute highlander Christmas novella by Kauffman.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Matchmakers Mistletoe Mission by Jaci Burton

TITLE: The Matchmakers Mistletoe Mission
CHARACTERS: Alice & Clay
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/15/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton celebrates the gift of love and the holiday season with a snowy Christmas wedding at the Bellini family vineyard.

Stranded at the Red Moss Vineyard a week before her best friend’s wedding, LA native and professional matchmaker Alice Weatherford is not pleased with her first trip to Oklahoma, or the epic snowstorm forcing her to stay. So much for Christmas cheer. What she needs is a project, something to distract her…and, oh, has she found one in neighboring rancher Clay Henry. Gorgeous, charming, and unlike any other man she’s ever met, finding the right woman for Clay should be easy….

Having grown up with the Bellini sisters, it’s no hardship for Clay to ride out the storm at their cozy family vineyard, especially since that means spending time with their savvy and smart houseguest. But despite Alice’s best efforts, he’s not the least bit interested in her matchmaking….

Alice is the only woman Clay wants. Now he just has to convince the matchmaker herself to give love a chance.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Alice is a Los Angeles matchmaker but when her best friend’s wedding is in Oklahoma. Oklahoma is nothing like LA. It snows is Oklahoma and Alice is unexpectedly stuck for days. Clay is checking on the Bellini’s when the snowstorm hits and he is also stuck for days at the vineyard. So now we watch the season work…..

Alice connects with Clay but then she decides he needs to be matched up and she doesn’t date her clients. Clay doesn’t want to be matched. Right now the other one he is interested in is Alice. But both have pasts that they need to move beyond.

I thought this was a cute book. The characters are made for each other. I thought Clay was sweet and everything a girl wants. He actually listens!

Sweet book to curl up and read for the holidays!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Lavender & Mistletoe by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Lavender & Mistletoe
SERIES #: Blue Hollow Falls #3.5
CHARACTERS: Avery & Ben
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This Christmas, small-town Blue Hollow Falls will work big holiday magic for two people who have researched everything but love . . .

Avery Kent needs a project. The busy brain that earned her two PhDs before the age of eighteen is fascinated by the home she’s created with her three friends in Blue Hollow Falls, but the farm and the tearoom are running like clockwork now. As the holiday season approaches, it’s time for Avery to dive into one of her last uncharted research topics: love. Not for herself, of course; for her friend, Chey! But a closer look at the handsome young veterinarian Avery has chosen for this romantic equation has her wishing for gifts she never thought she wanted . . .

Another former child prodigy, Ben Chandler is more like Avery than she ever imagined. His intellect is a perfect match for hers—and everything else about him attracts her in ways that send delicious tingles down her spine. But a relationship? That’s something Avery will need to analyze—unless her friends can help Ben convince her that romance is more magic than science, and that a good old-fashioned kiss under the mistletoe is the perfect way to open her heart to the possibility of the greatest gift of all . . .

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts What a great novella. With only 140-ish pages this is a quick read that will easily put you in the Christmas spirit.

Avery and Ben are just adorable. And visiting Blue Hollow Falls is like coming home and perfectly in time for the holidays.

Grab a hot cocoa, start a fire and snug up under a comfy blanket…. That and this book is all you need to enjoy a night reading.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Home For The Holidays by Terry Spear

TITLE: A Home For The Holidays
SERIES #: Silver Town Wolf #9
CHARACTERS: Meghan & Peter
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“The best of holiday romances…a howling good time.”–Long and Short Reviews for A Silver Wolf Christmas

Silver Town is howling with Christmas cheer

Gray wolves Meghan MacTire and Sheriff Peter Jorgenson plan to spend the rest of their lives together, and what better time to start forever than Christmas? But they are both harboring dark secrets that are about to surface and threaten their future together. With holiday magic in the air and all Silver Town ready to celebrate, Meghan and Peter have to conquer the past if they’re to have any hope of celebrating this Christmas together.

Silver Town Wolf series:
Destiny of the Wolf (Book 1)
Wolf Fever (Book 2)
Dreaming of the Wolf (Book 3)
Silence of the Wolf (Book 4)
A Silver Wolf Christmas (Book 5)
Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply (Book 6)
Between a Wolf and a Hard Place (Book 7)
All’s Fair in Love and Wolf (Book 8)
Silver Town Wolf: Home for the Holidays (Book 9)

REVIEW:
Well this was a it different. Of course the whole wolf thing is there but this one had ghost. Interesting combination.

I liked the story. This has a nice holiday feel to it with a paranormal feel. I thought the couple was perfect for each other and liked with the holiday theme there was not a lot of couple drama. Mostly the couple stuck together to deal with the other issues.

Good holiday read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Wedding In December by Sarah Morgan

a wedding in decemeberTITLE: A Wedding In December
CHARACTERS: The White Family
AUTHOR: Sarah Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This funny, charming and heartwarming new Christmas novel is USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan at her festive best!

In the snowy perfection of Aspen, the White family gathers for youngest daughter Rosie’s whirlwind Christmas wedding. First to arrive are the bride’s parents, Maggie and Nick. Their daughter’s marriage is a milestone they are determined to celebrate wholeheartedly, but they are hiding a huge secret of their own: they are on the brink of divorce. After living apart for the last six months, the last thing they need is to be trapped together in an irresistibly romantic winter wonderland.

Rosie’s older sister, Katie, is also dreading the wedding. Worried that impulsive, sweet-hearted Rosie is making a mistake, Katie is determined to save her sister from herself! If only the irritatingly good-looking best man, Jordan, would stop interfering with her plans…

Bride-to-be Rosie loves her fiancé but is having serious second thoughts. Except everyone has arrived—how can she tell them she’s not sure? As the big day gets closer, and emotions run even higher, this is one White family Christmas none of them will ever forget!

REVIEW:
This story is about romance but I think it is more about the love of family. Rosie doesn’t always make the best decisions and is a bit impulsive so when she tells her family she is getting married to get boyfriend of only a few months the family worries.

Her older sister, Katie, is protective of Rosie since she has medical issues. Katie has even gone into medicine because of her baby sister. But the best man has her mind heading where it shouldn’t.

And then there is Maggie, the girls mom. She is separated from her husband but hasn’t told the girls yet and of course the happy occasion of a wedding doesn’t need to be spoiled by the news of divorce. But Maggie is finding she needs to figure out what her next chapter of life is. Her girls are grown and don’t need her the same way anymore, so what now?

I found myself wanting to attend the wedding and help the family out as if I was one of them. When you want to crawl into a book I think that says a lot about it. There is so much to this story about finding love but also finding yourself.

What a great book to put you into the Christmas spirit. Perfect to light a fire and enjoy a glass of egg nog.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Billionaire Wolf For Christmas by Terry Spear

billionaire wolf for christmasTITLE: A Billionaire Wolf For Christmas
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #26/Billionaire Wolf #2
CHARACTERS: Aidan & Holly
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When the wolves’ own blood betrays them, they risk their lives to find a miracle.

Wolf shifter Dr. Aidan Denali has been working day and night to find a cure for werewolves’ alarmingly sudden decline in lifespan. The key to the problem eludes him. But when Aidan grudgingly leaves his work to do some holiday shopping, he meets a remarkable she-wolf whose mysterious pack could bring him one step closer to the answer.

Dr. Holly Gray is thrilled to meet the wolf who’s been working so hard to help others. Now, it’s her turn to help him. But while their attraction is sizzling, the packs are at odds, and the danger is increasing. It’s going to take a holiday miracle for Holly and Aidan to get themselves–and their loved ones–out of this alive…

Billionaire Wolf series:
Billionaire in Wolf’s Clothing (Book 1)
A Billionaire Wolf for Christmas (Book 2)

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Depends on how you look at this. It is either #2 in the series or #26… Mainly I look at it as #26 and to be honest I have enjoyed most of the series but it is getting a bit old for me. Spear has found her niche’ which I get and she has stuck with it a long time but I wonder what else she can write. There is only so much you can do with wolf shifters.

That being said the story is good. It has a bit of Christmas feel to it but after having read so many of her books I want for something different.

The romance is good and if you are a fan of the genre with a Christmas flair pick it up.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3hearts-68-77

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Lock, Stock & Jingle Bells by Donna Kauffman

lock stock and jungle bellsTITLE: Lock, Stock & Jingle Bells
SERIES #: Hamilton Christmas #2
CHARACTERS: Holly & Sean
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The best holiday gifts aren’t always under the tree . . .

Holly hates the yuletide season more than ever since she received her very early inheritance: her mother’s Christmas novelty store. Now she has to put her life on hold to deal with the shop, while her parents settle into their busy sunny Florida retirement. But Holly’s childhood pal, Sean, is determined to warm her up—to Christmas and to him. When they uncover a diary concealing secrets involving both their families, this could be the Christmas that changes their lives forever . . .

Originally part of the Kissing Santa Claus anthology.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Christmas novellas that Kauffman has put out this year. And was originally part of an anthology.

Another cute holiday story that will certainly get you in the Christmas mood. I read the first one and had hoped it was a bit of a continuation but it was not but that does not mean it is any less interesting.

Kauffman is always one of my go to authors. I have never been disappointed by her stories and this one is no exception. This is a very quick read with just about 100 pages.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Unleashed by Donna Kauffman

unleashedTITLE: Unleashed
SERIES #: Hamilton Christmas #1
CHARACTERS: Emma & Trevor
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A raging winter storm and a holiday spent pet-sitting reveals there’s more than one kind of animal in the house . . .

When Emma Lafferty is hired by a billionaire CEO to watch his pets over the holidays, she expects to enjoy a quiet Christmas in opulent surroundings. What she doesn’t expect is to spend the week trapped in the mansion with Trevor Hamilton, the CEO’s sexy great-nephew—and heir—whose motives are as shady as his desire is crystal clear . . .

Originally in the To All a Good Night anthology

REVIEW:
This is a cute Christmas novella of a bit over 100 pages. And the beginning of a series of holiday novellas that she has released this season. Also it was originally in an anthology.

The story moves very fast especially since it is a short story. There are a couple of things that I hope are answered in the upcoming additional novellas because it seemed to leave some information out but maybe the other stories will fill the holes.

Kauffman is always a worthy read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Katie Ruggle

rocky mountain cowboy christmasTITLE: Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas
SERIES #: Rocky Mountain Cowboy #1
CHARACTERS: Steve & Camille
AUTHOR: Katie Ruggle
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the heart of the Rockies
In the arms of a cowboy
One white Christmas can change everything.

When firefighter and single dad Steve Springfield moved his four kids to a Colorado Christmas tree ranch, he intended for it to be a safe haven. But he never expected danger to follow them to his childhood home…

Or that he would come face-to-face with the one girl he could never forget.

Folk artist Camille Brandt lives a quiet life. As the town’s resident eccentric, she’s used to being lonely–until Steve freaking Springfield changes everything. Brave and kind, he’s always had a piece of her heart, and it doesn’t take long before she’s in danger of falling for him and his rambunctious kids. But as mysterious fires break out across the sleepy Colorado town, Steve and Camille will have to fight if they want their happy family to survive until Christmas…

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts Ok who doesn’t like a cowboy romance? And who doesn’t like a holiday romance? So lets put them together and it should be explosive right? Well not exactly. I liked this book but not as much as I hoped.

The characters were a bit all over the place. Or we get to know them and then they are gone. The kids are cute and the main characters really had a lot of potential. But I found the story a bit slow going.

It wasn’t that it is a bad story it just didn’t rock my jingle bells.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3hearts-68-77

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Winter Romance Wednesday!!! Kimberly reviews Bells, Spells and Murders by Carol J. Perry

bells spells and murderTITLE: Bells, Spells and Murder
SERIES #: Witch City Mystery #7
CHARACTERS: Lee & Pete
AUTHOR: Carol J Perry
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Someone’s spreading deadly holiday cheer through Salem, Mass . . .

Lee Barrett has landed her dream job at Salem’s WICH-TV. As the new field reporter, she’ll be covering events live as they’re unfolding. Next on her holiday checklist is an interview with the beloved chairman of a popular walking tour through Salem’s historic districts. But it may be his ghost walking this snowy Noel season after Lee finds him murdered in his stately offices, bloody Santa hat askew.

With her police detective boyfriend working the case and a witch’s brew of suspects–including some bell-ringing Santas–Lee chases down leads aided and abetted by her wise cat O’Ryan and some unsettling psychic visions of her own. When a revealing clue leads to another dead body, not even a monster blizzard can stop Lee from inching closer to the truth . . . and a scoop that could spell her own demise this killer Christmas.

REVIEW:
This is the 7th in the series but I have not read any of the other books. But this book makes me want to go back and pick up all the others.

There was a bit of everything in this story. Some paranormal, murder, humor and so much more. I loved the characters and loved the writing.

This is a great book to start a fire, grab a warm drink and cuddle up and enjoy. It definitely puts you in a holiday mood.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.