Holiday Romance – Page 11

September 23, 2015September 20, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly & Kimberly review All Wrapped Up by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: All Wrapped Up
SERIES #: Pine Mountain #5
CHARACTERS: Nick Brennan & Ava Mancuso
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Talk about a hot lead…
Christmas is coming to Pine Mountain—and it has a way of stirring up memories, good and bad. Nick Brennan may manage the Double Shot bar smooth as good whiskey, but his past is a hot mess. When he runs into a burning building to save a little boy, some people start thinking there’s more to his heroism than holiday spirit. And then the local reporter assigned to the story turns out to be gorgeous Ava Mancuso, the girl who got away.
Ava knows what it’s like to have a past. But the changes she’s seen in Nick since she knew him do more than set off her natural curiosity—his warm eyes and gruff charm have her instincts fired up. Still, all the chemistry in the world doesn’t erase history, even when Nick invites her to his little sister’s mistletoe wedding. Does he have a heart under all those secrets? Or is this going to be just another Christmas past?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts As with all Ms. Kincaid’s stories we get a sweet second chance at life romance. In All Wrapped Up we finally get to learn more about the secretive Brennan. Are local bartender has a lot of demons in his past and they are all about to come roaring back into his life. First in the form of his old flame Ava, then in the form of reality and what lead him to Pine Mountain to begin with.
This was a sweet quick read. Nick “aka” Brennan is the hero that you want to slap silly and then hug the tar out of. He is both heroic and a pain in the buttock all at the same time. But it was so good to read his story and learn more about him. And his lady love Ava. She is such a great match for him. She is strong, determined and always respects the story that is in front of her.
While it looks like this may be the end of the Pine Mountain series, never fear there is a new series on the horizon and you will get to meet a few of the guys in this story. I do hope that Ms. Kincaid will revisit Pine Mountain from time to time. I want to know what is happening with the locals. If you have not picked up the Pine Mountain series now is a good time to do so!!!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts This is the 5th and last in the series. Pine Mountain has been a great place to visit and I am sad to see the series end but I am hoping that the end leads to the next series (hint hint).

Now on to the review of this particular book. I enjoyed it. I thought the characters were interesting and they kept me wanting to know more about them and to watch their story unfold. The story was a bit obvious. It has been done a time or two and left no surprise as to what would happen in the end. But it was still an ending I wanted to get to and enjoy. Some parts of the book made me roll my eyes. I mean if your boss is being a jerk to you over everything that happens wouldn’t you go to HR? But yet Ava just takes it and it got on my nerves some. Nick was sweet and I felt for him regarding what he has been through but he hides behind his past.

I know it sounds like I didn’t enjoy it but I really did like this story. While set in winter with a Christmas wedding (sort of) it has little about the holiday but it really is a sit by a fire and enjoy story.

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

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September 16, 2015September 13, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Snowflake Bay by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Snowflake Bay
SERIES #: Brides of Blueberry Cove #2
CHARACTERS: Fiona & Ben
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N { http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/snowflake-bay-donna-kauffman/1120552928?ean=9781420137477}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There’s no place like seaside Blueberry Cove, Maine, at Christmas—and there’s nothing like a wedding, the warmth of the holidays, and an old crush, to create the perfect new start…

Interior designer Fiona McCrae has left fast-paced Manhattan to move back home to peaceful Blueberry Cove. But she’s barely arrived before she’s hooked into planning her big sister Hannah’s Christmas wedding—in less than seven weeks. The last thing she needs is for her first love, Ben Campbell, to return to neighboring Snowflake Bay…

As kids, Fiona was the bratty little sister Ben mercilessly teased—while pining after Hannah. But Fi never once thought of Ben like a brother. And that hasn’t changed. Except Fi is all grown up. Will Ben notice her now? More importantly, with her life in a jumble, should he? Or might the romance of the occasion, the spirit of the season, and the gifts of time ignite a long-held flame for many Christmases to come…

Something old might just become something new…

Includes a DIY wedding project!

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this story. In fact I read the first 70% of the book in one sitting and finished it up the next day. I wouldn’t say this will put you in the holiday spirit because other than a couple dozen mentions of Christmas there really isn’t much of the holiday. But it is perfect for a cozy autumn read.

This is the second of the Brides of Blueberry Cove series but we have been to Blueberry Cove a number of times with the Bachelors of Blueberry Cove. We met Fiona in the first book (Sea Glass Cove) of the series when Hannah, Fiona’s older sister, met Calder. But now it is Fiona’s turn. And in comes Ben or should I say here he comes again.

Ben was practically a part of the McCrae family growing up. Ben is Logan’s best friend and while growing up he had a crush on Hannah. But Fiona always had a crush on Ben he just never noticed her for more than Logan’s bratty little sister but now he has seen the grown up Fiona and boy did he notice her. I loved the play between the two of them. They joke so easily together. Fiona is really quick witted which I enjoy and Ben flirts with humor like no other. They are meant for each other but like a typical man he doesn’t see it until years after she does.

There were a couple of little things that I would have changed about the book but not a lot. I wish we had heard Ben already being interested in Fi before seeing her in the “Hall of Fame Knit” because it seemed a bit superficial to be interested in her right after seeing her body. But that is ok. And I wish there had been a scene between Ben and Logan as a follow up at the end of the book because I thought the basketball scene was pretty important at the beginning of the relationship between Fi and Ben. It would have been great to see another conversation where Ben explains his feelings and maybe gets an approval. But again that is ok.

I would recommend this book to anyone. Even if you haven’t read the rest of the series it can be a stand alone but you will get hook by the story and want to backtrack and read them all.

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

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March 18, 2015March 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Christmas At Carriage Hill by Carla Neggers

TITLE: Christmas at Carriage Hill
SERIES #: Swift River Valley Novella
CHARACTERS: Alexandra & Ian
AUTHOR: Carla Neggers
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/2/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Celebrate the holidays with this magical Swift River Valley novella from New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers
When fashion designer Alexandra Rankin Hunt is asked to create the dresses for Olivia Frost’s Christmas wedding in tiny Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, she jumps at the chance. She’s certain she’ll never get to design one for herself not with her history of falling for the wrong men. Ian Mabry, the sexy fighter pilot whose bravery reminded her of her beloved great-grandfather, was the worst yet.
To Alexandra’s surprise, Ian is also at Carriage Hill, Olivia’s picturesque country inn. And if anyone can charm his way into a wedding, it’s him. Ian wants more than an invitation he’s determined to find a way back into Alexandra’s life.

REVIEW: This was a nice short read just in time for the holidays. This novella is a part of a series that I have not read, but luckily the author gives us plenty of background information to make sure we understand the world she’s created. I enjoyed meeting all of these characters who fans of this series likely already know so well. I really liked Alexandra and her personality, she’s pretty easy going and sweet. Ian is super cocky and confident, but it works for him. They were cute together and I enjoyed their story. If you have an hour to kill, snuggle in with this story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 28, 2014December 27, 2014

Book Spotlight: Mistletoe on Main Street by Olivia Miles

Sleigh bells, snow, and second chances . . .

Briar Creek’s quaint shop windows, cozy homes nestled in snow, and neighborly residents are what Christmas dreams are made of—for everyone except Grace Madison. She left her hometown years ago to pursue a writing career. But when her father’s death leaves his bookstore empty, Grace must return to face why she fled Vermont in the first place: Luke Hastings, who still heats her up like a shot of smoky whiskey on a cold winter’s night.

Grace is back, and Luke is worried. How much has she changed as a bestselling author in the big city? What memories will she stir up? And was the choice he made five years ago the biggest mistake of his life?

Now, with their past, present, and future rocking around the Christmas tree, it’s time for Grace and Luke to face the music . . . and the mistletoe.

Amazon/B&N

About the Author:

Olivia Miles is a bestselling author of contemporary romance. She was the winner of Harlequin’s 2011 Happy Holidays Contest, and her story earned her “The Call.” Her books have since released in more than six countries and have been translated into multiple languages. Her first single-title series, The Briar Creek Series, is now available through Hachette/Grand Central Publishing.

Having grown up in New England, Olivia attended McGill University in Montreal, Quebec before settling in Chicago. A city girl with a fondness for small town charm, Olivia enjoys highlighting both ways of life in her stories.

She currently resides in Evanston, Illinois with her husband, young daughter, and two ridiculously pampered pups.

Olivia loves hearing from readers! She can be reached at writeroliviamiles (at) gmail.com

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Mistletoe on Main Street

Review (3.75 Stars): Grace Madison has returned home for the holidays to spend time with her family after breaking up with her boyfriend and her career as a writer isn’t going how she planned. Being home in Briar Creek brings back a lot of painful memories of her past life with her childhood sweetheart, Luke Hastings, who she just happens to run into at every turn. For Luke, seeing Grace is just as painful because he is still reeling from the loss of his wife to a brain aneurysm and the secrets that he has been hiding about the day that she died. By being near Grace, Luke is reminded of what he has lost and this holiday season, he may just find what he has always needed in his life.

Grace and Luke were an interesting couple that lived their lives with so much sadness. Grace left Briar Creek as a young girl to discover the bright lights of New York to fulfill her dreams of becoming a writer. Luke let her go because he knew that he was meant to stay in their small town and he couldn’t stand in the way of her dreams. Both of them wondered what if, but the timing wasn’t right since Luke had met another and was planning to marry her when Grace came back for him.

Now, they are both in Briar Creek single and their past keeps standing in the way of their future. Luke can’t let go of the guilt he feels over his deceased wife and I was so angry and irritated with him through most of this book. Grace was trying to make a fresh start by reopening her father’s bookstore and Luke’s guilt kept preventing them from finding happiness together. I just wanted to smack him by the end of story and I thought that his decision to be finally be with Grace was almost too little too late.

I loved Grace’s family especially her sisters, Anna and Jane. I am looking forward to reading Anna’s story in A Match Made on Main Street and I’m hoping that Jane will get her happy ending as well after what happened to her in this book.

December 16, 2014December 15, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Once Upon a Highland Christmas by Lecia Cornwall

Lady Alanna McNabb is bound by duty to her family, who insist she must marry a gentleman of wealth and title. When she meets the man of her dreams, she knows it’s much too late, but her heart is no longer hers.

Laird Iain MacGillivray is on his way to propose to another woman when he discovers Alanna half-frozen in the snow and barely alive. She isn’t his to love, yet she’s everything he’s ever wanted.

As Christmas comes closer, the snow thickens, and the magic grows stronger. Alanna and Iain must choose between desire and duty, love and obligation.

But it’s Christmas in the Highlands, and there are bound to be a few surprises.

Amazon/B&N

She trudged on. Safety was just over the next hill—or was she in a glen? It was impossible to tell. Her cloak was crusted with ice, the hem stiff and scratchy against her legs, snagging her stockings, shredding them. Fear rose, more menacing now, and she fought the urge to panic. She gulped a deep breath and tasted snow, felt the chill invade her lungs, form a cold ball in her belly. She could barely open her eye against the force of the driving snow stinging her face.

The world was as opaque as linen, or new milk.

Or a shroud.

“Hello!” she called out. The wind snatched the word and flung it away. “Please,” she begged. The gale took that word too. She bent forward, forced her way, step after step, the snow creaking and whining under her feet, the wind tearing at her clothes.

Alanna didn’t see the gully. It was as white as everything else—but suddenly she was tipping sideways, sliding, unable to stop herself from falling down the frozen slope. She screamed as she hit something sharp and hard and came to a jarring stop. Pain shot through her knee, filled her body with agony, made her pant as her heart hammered against her ribs. There were sharp rocks lurking under the fresh snow. They peered up like jagged teeth from where her fall had uncovered them. It could have been much worse than a bruised knee. “Lucky,” she whispered.

She lay still, staring up at the sky, as white and heartless as the earth, lost in shock and pain. She reached her hand down to where pain radiated from her left knee, but her frozen fingers were useless. She raised her hand and stared at the blood on her glove. She swallowed hard.

Cut then, at least. Or was her leg broken? She tried to move it, felt the instant stab of pain, and cried out. The world dissolved from snow to white-hot fire. She felt a bubble of hysterical laughter fill her chest. Surely this would delay the wedding. Or would it simply make her bruised and battered and ugly on her wedding night? Her mirth died. She tried now, as she had for days, to imagine Merridew above her, in her bed, his body against hers. She felt only dread.

Up—she must get up, keep going. She gritted her teeth and tried to rise. White hot agony forced the breath from her lungs, and she fell back. Perhaps the injury was worse than she’d thought, or maybe she was simply mired in a deep drift of snow. She would have to dig herself out, force herself to her feet, and continue on. She looked around, trying to get her bearings, but there was nothing, no one. The world had disappeared. She bit her lip, fought tears, and set a hand over her heart to still the terror that threatened to choke her. She was so cold, and so tired.

She lay back. She just needed a moment to rest, and then she would get up and find her way home. Above her, the snowflakes rushed toward her, silver on white, hypnotic. They tickled as they settled on her skin, a gentle caress. Alanna shut her eyes.

Just for a moment, she’d rest. Then she’d get up and find her way home.

About the Author:

Lecia Cornwall lives and writes in Calgary, Canada, amid the beautiful foothills of the Canadian Rockies, with four cats, two teenagers, a crazy chocolate Lab, and one very patient husband. She is hard at work on her next book.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Once Upon a Highland Christmas

Review (4.75 Stars): I found a new favorite author after reading Once Upon a Highland Christmas and I want to find a guy exactly like Iain. He was sweet, charming and so gentle with Alanna after she was injured out in the snow. He was definitely an alpha male who had so much responsibility on his shoulders and planned to propose to another woman because it was expected of him after receiving his new title. The chance meeting with Alanna that night wasn’t what either of them had planned but once they saw each other, you could feel the sexual chemistry and heat between these two characters.

Alanna was used to fulfilling obligations as well and didn’t want to disappoint her family even though she was set to marry a man that she didn’t love. Iain saved her life out in the snow that night and because of her injuries, she had to recuperate in his home. I loved the interactions between the two and you could just see their relationship growing stronger as time went on. They were an adorable couple and I was hoping that a little Highland magic could keep this couple together for Christmas.

This is the third novel in the Once Upon a Highland series and I loved every minute of this story. Ms. Cornwall has created a perfect holiday romance that is sure to keep readers warm on those cold winter nights. Once Upon a Highland Christmas was a beautifully written story with the right amount of Highland magic and charm that makes it one of my favorite books of the holiday season.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway

Lecia would like to also giveaway an Ebook Copy of ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND AUTUMN to One Commenter. (US and Int)

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly & Kimberly review Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Merry Christmas Baby
SERIES #: Lucky Harbor #12.5
CHARACTERS: Sawyer & Chloe Thompson
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: December 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis brings you a heartwarming tale that could only happen in Lucky Harbor . . .

SEASON’S KISSES

Wild child Chloe Thompson can’t believe how much things have changed. She still can’t get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to thinking about impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen. 13,000 words

KELLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Oh how I love a good Lucky Harbor story. And I love them even more knowing that the Lucky Harbor series is done (will kind of. I asked Jill about this and she said there will be more novellas).
Merry Christmas Baby takes us back to visit Sawyer and Chloe and little baby Bean. This was such a sweet story and I am so glad that we got to take a glimpse into Sawyer and Chloe’s life. These two have had a rough time of life and love. I am so happy that they are getting a happy ever after. And let me tell you Sawyer and baby Bean are beyond adorable together (totally tissue worthy)

Lucky Harbor fans you will love this very very short story. Until next time Lucky Harbor.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is a sweet Holiday novella with less than 40 pages but one that any fan of the Lucky Harbor series just had to have. We met Chloe and Sawyer in Head Over Heels (Lucky Harbor #3) and this is their follow up. Chloe is now pregnant and going through so many pregnancy hormones she can barely stand herself neither less anyone else and when Sawyer keeps leaving she is heartbroken. But like any Shalvis story there is more to it then Sawyer wanting to get away. I loved that within a few pages of the story Shalvis says “shes once been hell on wheels” as a shout out to their first story.

I won’t say too much since it is so short and it would give too much away but I will say that it was a great Christmas gift to the fans of Lucky Harbor and Jill Shalvis. (Just wish we knew what the baby’s name is – I wrote Shalvis on Facebook to ask – No word yet)

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 26, 2014November 22, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Jennifer reviews Christmas At Twilight by Lori Wilde

TITLE: Christmas at Twilight
SERIES #: Twilight, Texas #10
CHARACTERS: Brian Hutchinson, Meredith Sommers
AUTHOR: Lori Wilde
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/28/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: It’s Christmas in Twilight, Texas. The Cookie Club is baking, the town is decorated, and Delta Force Operator “Hutch” Hutchinson has finally, reluctantly, returned home . . .

. . . only to get pepper sprayed by the delicious- looking stranger who’s taken over his house. She says her name is Jane, and she immediately sets down ground rules. Top priority: no touching. For Hutch that isn’t easy—he was wounded in action, but one part is still working very well.

Then Hutch learns the truth. Jane harbors a frightening secret—she’s really Meredith Sommers, on the run from a dangerous ex-husband and desperately in need of the safety Hutch can provide. In that moment, he vows he’d do anything in his power to protect her. And as Christmas approaches, they discover that their love can conquer the past and overcome any obstacle—but what price will they pay?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I love Christmas romances and Lori Wilde definitely delivers with her new book, Christmas at Twilight. Brian “Hutch” Hutchinson has just returned to Twilight after a traumatic experience where he is physically and emotionally scarred and has temporarily lost the ability to speak. He is shocked to find that a young woman and her son are living in his home with his sister but before he has a chance to find answers, Meredith sprays him with pepper spray. Meredith is on the run from an abusive ex-husband and she mistakenly believes that Hutch is him when they first met. Once Meredith learns the truth, she and Hutch make an arraignment where she will continue living in the house and help with the care of Hutch’s niece until her mother returns from her spur of the moment getaway. Together they learn that love can help heal all wounds but Meredith’s past is coming back to haunt her and now they are all in jeopardy.

Hutch and Meredith’s story is one of my favorites in the Twilight series. They were two kindred spirits that both had a traumatic past, but still held on to hope. For Hutch, he went through unspeakable horrors during his time in the military and his experience over there almost brought him to the breaking point. By meeting Meredith, who was the one person who knew what it was like to battle demons of her own, it finally gave him a chance for a real future. Together, they could build the loving relationship that they needed and be the support system for one another during their dark times. I was impressed with Meredith considering everything that she had been through and she still was a wonderful, caring, human being. She stayed strong and resilient through it all and I loved her character just as much as I did Hutch’s.

Hutch and Meredith also just had this connection where after a while, they didn’t need words to communicate with another. You see this with couples that have been together a long time but Hutch and Meredith just seemed as though they always belonged with one another. To me, all their roads let them to each other and brought them into each other’s lives when they needed them the most.

Christmas at Twilight was a wonderful holiday romance that will pull at your heart strings and having you believing that love truly can conquer all. Lori Wilde is an amazingly talented writer and Christmas at Twilight is the perfect romance for this holiday season.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 24, 2014November 23, 2014

Book Spotlight & Interview: Unwrapped by Maisey Yates

I have Maisey Yates here today to talk about her new novella, Unwrapped, which is a sweet romance for this holiday season. Take it away, Maisey. 🙂

1. Tell me a little about yourself.

*waves* I’m Maisey! I write sexy, brooding sheikhs for Harlequin Presents and hot contemporary cowboys. I also have a BAD BAD biker coming up next year! I live in Oregon with my husband and three kids and I get to work at home in my pajamas! Life is pretty sweet.

2. What inspired you to be a writer? Have you always wanted to write romances?

I used to have fantasies of being a writer that involved staring out the window at a misty gray sea, but they didn’t involve…actual writing. I started a lot of things but didn’t finish them. And as for wanting to write romance? It was the discovery of romance that took writing from a vague aspiration to a DRIVE. I read my first Harlequin Presents and loved them SO MUCH I wanted to create my own. 🙂

3. Tell me about your new release.

Unwrapped is the story of Silver Creek’s resident Kindergarten teacher and good girl, Sarah Larsen, deciding it’s time to try and misbehave. She makes a plan to pick up a guy at a bar to lose her virginity, and she ends up meeting a super hot stranger. She figures she’ll never see Walker again…but unfortunately it turns out he’s the father of the new girl in her class!

4. Where did you come up with the idea for the series?

So many different places. I find very often my ideas come from sad things I see in the news, or that are happening in the lives of people I know. Because I want to fix it. So I’ll put a character in the book with a similar element in their backstory to give them a HEA. I think I’m a frustrated fixer in a world I can’t control!

5. What have been the challenges of writing a romance series?

Keeping the details straight! Silver Creek was my first series, and I spent a lot of time looking for details in previous MSs when writing another book. I learned from that!! When I started my second series, Copper Ridge, I decided to keep a bible full of character/story and place details. It’s been much easier!

6. What was the first book that you’ve ever written and was it published?

Uh yes…the first book I wrote was His Virgin Acquisition and it was published. But during that wait I wrote several more MSs that would have been aimed at Presents that I never submitted. I learned so much writing those books, and revising that first book on sub, that I was just sort of working out craft issues. Practice books!

7. What are you working on now?

Right now I’m finishing up Bad News Cowboy, which is actually the third book in my next cowboy series, Copper Ridge, which comes out in March 2015 and runs through the summer! It has one of my favorite themes…bad boy older brother’s best friend and good girl younger heroine. Though, the heroine is a feisty, foul mouthed barrel racer. I’ve had so much fun writing her!

8. Favorite TV show? Movie? Favorite Drink?

Oh…I watch too much TV. I love Sleepy Hollow, Parks and Rec, How to Get Away With Murder, Arrow…and of all time? Friends. Movie? Lord of the Rings and Bend it Like Beckham. Drink? Pumpkin Spice Latte.

About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit.

In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Kindergarten teacher Sarah Larsen has spent her whole life being the good girl. But now, she’s ready to do something bad. So wearing the shortest, tightest black dress she owns, she marches over to the nearest bar to fulfill her Christmas fantasy: a wild night with a total stranger.

Walker Callahan moved to Silver Creek to start fresh. He doesn’t want to bring his baggage into a relationship, so an evening of fun with the sexiest welcoming committee ever is just what he needs.

They were both in it for one night with no strings attached.. But when Sarah discovers that Walker is the father of her new student, things turn deliciously complicated. Can the cold winter nights thaw two frozen hearts?

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Unwrapped

Review (4 Stars): Sarah has spent most of her life being the good girl and was taught that good girls don’t like sex and that sex can lead to bad things. Sarah had decided that she is now ready to shed her good girl image and spend one night of passion with a random stranger who will show her what it is like to walk on the wild side. That random stranger just happens to be Walker Callahan, a sexy cowboy who has moved to Silver Creek to start a new life and raise his young daughter on his own. He never expected to meet Sarah but her shy innocent seduction awakens something in Walker that he thought was long gone. For Sarah and Walker, one night of passion turns into something that neither of them expected with emotions that can’t be denied.

Sarah was such a lovely character in this story because she went through her life without knowing what it was like to be truly loved yet was capable of loving someone else without hesitation. She never meant to fall in love with Walker, she just wanted to shed her good girl image and find out what she liked as a woman without being told by someone how she should feel. She tried to keep her feelings in check when she spent the night with Walker but the more they were around each other, the more she fell for him. Walker was the one man who made her feel wanted and desired, yet he was afraid of going down the path to love. He had been married before and things didn’t turn out well and for the sake of his daughter, he was afraid to do it again. I was glad that he realized that Sarah wasn’t like his ex-wife and she had no intention of ever leaving this sexy man’s side. Maisey Yates is one of my favorite writers and if you haven’t read her Silver Creek series, you are missing out. I heard that she has a sexy badass biker story coming up and if he is anything like Charlie Hunnam, I’m all in.

November 19, 2014November 16, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Christmas Ranch by RaeAnnd Thayne

TITLE: The Christmas Ranch
SERIES #: Cowboys Of Cold Creek #13
CHARACTERS: Hope & Rafe
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/18/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Hope Nichols has never felt as if she belonged anywhere, except her hometown of Pine Gulch. So, when she hears that her family’s property, Christmas Ranch, is set to be shut down forever, a determined Hope heads home. She refuses to let the Grinch steal her holidaythis will be the most memorable ranch Christmas ever! And, thanks to hunky former navy SEAL Rafe Santiago and his adorable nephew, she might just pull off that miracle.

Rafe is undeniably drawn to Hope and her passion for rebuilding her family home. But he knows more about Hope’s tragic past than even she herself could imagine. And though she doesn’t know it, she owes him her life. And all he wants in return is for her to spend it with him.

REVIEW:
Looking for a light hearted feel good romantic holiday story? Well this isn’t it. While a really good story there is a number of sad things in this story. First the family is sad because of the loss of Hope’s brother-in-law and Uncle who usually ran The Christmas Ranch. Hope comes home with a hero complex (for lack of a better word) and figures she will make everything right and get the ranch working again while her sisters and aunt want to wallow. And while we can appreciate it the background makes the story sad.

Then there is Rafe who brings a sadness all his own. He has left the SEALS to care for his nephew because his sister has gone to jail and he has a history with Hope and her sisters that Hope doesn’t realize and that history is sad as well. Honestly while there is a HEA and romance and a sweetness there is more sad than happy.

Now all that being said it really is a sweet story. The time it takes to get the ranch ready for Christmas and the time Rafe and Hope spend together is nice. The romance growing between them is lovely. All-in-all this is a really good read it is just not a light hearted romance so be ready.

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

November 19, 2014November 18, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Sleigh Bells in Valentine Valley by Emma Cane

Return to Valentine Valley, where Christmas lights are twinkling and first love burns brighter the second time around…

When Tony De Luca’s ex, Kate Fenelli, waltzes through the door of his tavern and pulls up a bar stool, she turns his balanced world on end. Once they’d been each other’s first love, first everything. But then life happened, and they walked away with broken hearts. Now Kate is back in Valentine, and they can’t seem to stay out of each other’s way. When Tony begins wondering what would happen if they rekindled the sparks, he knows he’s in big trouble.

Kate can’t believe she’s sitting at Tony’s bar spilling her life-changing problems to him. He’s as gorgeous as ever, and she can’t seem to forget how incredible he always made her feel. Still, the door on that chapter of their lives closed long ago. Yet with Christmas buzzing in the air, Kate can’t help wondering if anything is possible—even a second chance with the only man she’s ever loved.

Amazon/B&N

Kate was just about to start putting the chairs upside down on the tables when someone knocked on the front door. She looked up and saw Tony.
Smiling, she unlocked and let him in. “So how did it go?”

And then she saw the small bandage oozing blood on his right cheek.

She gasped. “Tony!”

He shrugged and dropped his hockey bag near the door. “It looks worse than it is.”

“But it’s bleeding through the bandage! Weren’t you wearing a helmet, a face mask?”

“Of course I was—I don’t want to lose my teeth. But we were warming up, and someone on the other team was hitting too hard, and I’d taken off my helmet to adjust…never mind the details.”

She followed him into his office. “You could have lost an eye!”

“I know, I know.”

“And you need a new bandage.”

“This was a new bandage after the game, and I ripped off the scab that had formed.” He rummaged through his shelves until he found the medicine kit.

“Maybe you need stitches?”

“Naw, I’m fine. I have antiseptic things in here somewhere.”

She pushed his big hands out of the way, found the little packet, and opened it. “Sit down on the desk so I can reach you.”

“Kate—”

“Shh!”

With a sigh he complied, sitting on the edge of the desk. That put his face a little above hers, and she had to stand between his knees. She bit her lip as she tried to be gentle peeling off the bandage.

“Just rip it away,” he said with amusement.

So she did, and she was the only one who winced. The cut wasn’t too long, nor was it an open gash or oozing blood too badly. Using the damp antiseptic wipe, she gently cleansed it, then looked for a bigger, square bandage. After applying it, she stood still, admiring her work.

“There,” she murmured with satisfaction.

Tony wasn’t smiling anymore. Those chocolate brown eyes were staring at her as if out of the past, back when he’d desired her, needed her.

And she realized she was standing between his thighs. The shock of awareness and heat that moved through her body was swift and overwhelming.

He put his hands on her waist, as if he knew she was suddenly weak with longing.

“What are we doing?” she whispered.

But she didn’t move away.

“I think I’m kissing you,” he said, leaning closer.

Their breaths merged, the heat of him seared her.

“Stop me now,” he warned in a hoarse voice.

Their lips almost, almost touched.

And she couldn’t speak, didn’t want to deny him, found herself deep in the past, where Tony had been the only boy, then the only man, who’d drawn her, who’d made her desperate for his touch, who’d made her lose herself.

He kissed her, openmouthed and hungrily, no gentle exploration but inspiring a renewal of a desperation that she’d buried within her for over nine years. He pulled her against him, her hips into the openness of his, her aching breasts flattening against his broad chest, her head turning until it practically rested on his shoulder. She felt greedy with the need of him, desperate for the taste of his tongue. And then his hands slid to cup her backside, pressing her even harder against the erection outlined by his jeans. She let her hands roam him, remembering his biceps and shoulders, the broad planes supporting his collarbones, the lean pillar of his neck. His hair was thick and warm, and so good to touch.

Their mouths explored as if in homecoming, as memories swamped her of laughing kisses, tender kisses, urgent kisses. Tony was still all of that for her, and no one had ever made her feel like this but him.

That made her break off the kiss and stare at him, wide-eyed. His eyes smoldered as they watched her mouth. He didn’t look like he could stop, and for a moment, she wondered if she could, if Tony once again could create a passion that made her forget everything but him.

About the Author:

Emma Cane grew up reading and soon discovered that she liked to write passionate stories of teenagers in space. Her love of “passionate stories” has never gone away, although today she concentrates on the heartwarming characters of Valentine, her fictional small town in the Colorado Rockies.

Now that her three children are grown, Emma loves spending time crocheting and singing (although not necessarily at the same time), and hiking and snowshoeing alongside her husband Jim and two rambunctious dogs Apollo and Uma.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Sleigh Bells in Valentine Valley

Review (4.5 Stars): Sleigh Bells in Valentine Valley was such a sweet romance and I love books about couples having a second chance at love, especially around the holidays. Kate Fenelli returns home when she is put on leave from her job as an attorney and isn’t sure what her life holds for her since she will be in the same town as her ex-husband. Tony De Luca has always loved Kate and having her close by during the holidays has rekindled something that he thought was long gone. Can these two give love a second chance or has that moment passed them by forever?

I enjoyed Tony and Kate’s story together. Kate was a career-focused character, who in the beginning wanted to achieve success by becoming the best attorney that she could be, even if it meant putting her personal life on hold. Tony was such a nice guy, who wanted the simple things in life by raising a family and creating a life in Valentine Valley. The two of them were on different pages in their lives when they were younger but as we all know, things change as you grow and mature as a person. Their journey back to one another wasn’t an easy one but sometimes a great love takes time and for these two, it was definitely worth the wait.

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November 19, 2014November 16, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews Holidays On Ice by Jaci Burton

TITLE: Holiday on Ice
SERIES #: Play by Play #8.5
CHARACTERS: Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer & Stella Slovinski
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: November 18, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this original holiday novella in the Play-By-Play series, New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton gives readers the gift of “plenty of romance, sexy men, hot steamy loving, and humor.” (Smexy Books)

Superstar hockey player Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer and dancer Stella Slovinski have picked up where they left off a year ago, resuming their hot, uncomplicated affair. Stella refuses to call it dating, or a relationship. But lately, Trick is looking for more…

Stella’s been burned before—in a relationship she never talks about—not with her family, not with her friends, and definitely not with Trick. But now it’s the holiday season and Trick is determined to give Stella his heart wrapped up in a bow. He knows Stella is the right woman for him, but he’ll have to melt the ice surrounding her heart to keep her from walking away.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Loved.
Simple as that.
I loved this book.
Trick & Stella we have met before. I think we all know then that something was going on with them. But we just didn’t know what or how deep it ran. That being said since this was a novella I am not going to give you more. 😉 Except that I loved Trick and Stella and you should read this novella.

If you are a fan of the Play-by-Play series you will love this novella. If you have not started this series never fear you can pick up Holiday on Ice and read without being lost.
Can’t wait for the next installment!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 18, 2014November 16, 2014

Natasha & Kimberly review Rocky Mountain Miracle by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Rocky Mountain Miracle
CHARACTERS: Cole & Maia
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No Christmas will ever be the same after Cole and Maia meet on a snowy western ranch… Find out why in #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan’s romantic holiday e-novella!

When Cole Steele, a womanizer rumored to have killed his father, meets Maia Armstrong, a veterinarian rumored to practice magic, the sizzling romance could melt all the snow on his Wyoming ranch. And when an injured horse brings them together, Cole can’t help but believe that Maia casts spells on animals—and men. What else could explain the burning passion he feels for her and the thawing of his heart just in time for Christmas?

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Christine Feehan never disappoints. This Christmas novel is no different in terms of intense storylines and having you fall in love with the characters. Cole is a super intense dominant male personality. He has been through sheer hell, which is weird to see in a Christmas novel. Luckily he meets Maia and his whole world turns upside down. Maia however is very independent and I really have no idea where her mind is at until the end. I was actually stressed during this book because I didn’t know how things would work out. That’s a good problem to have with a book. Also, I just loved Cole’s brother Jase. He was a breath of fresh air in this book and I adored him. All of these three characters together made for an extremely romantic and heart warming Christmas story.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts What an interesting story. The characters are so complex and have so much history that they feel real. Cole and Jase are half brothers who didn’t even know the other existed until recently and yet they share the history of their cruel father. Maia comes into their lives and something about her changes everything the men have ever known about life. And somehow they connect in a way the guys never thought they would be able to with another person.

It seems like this book may have been in Feehan’s mind for a long time just waiting to be written. THe characters are so intense and real that you feel like you know them. You hurt for them and you cheer their simple moments that are so hard for them. Christmas feels lost on them and the reader feels it too. The sadness of never having the holiday is intense. And then there are the times when they love. The brothers love for each other is growing and yet they are unsure how to trust. And then there is Maia who has a secret all her own that she can talk to animals. Well not talk exactly… well the book will explain… and yet she is so down to earth.

I really enjoyed this story. Was it a holiday feel good love story? No way! There is a lot that is dark in this book but it is worth the read and not something you want to miss.

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