Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews The Christmas He Loved Her by Juliana Stone

The Christmas He Loved HerTITLE: Christmas He Loved Her
SERIES #: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #2
CHARACTERS: Jake Edwards & Raine Edwards
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: October 1, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All he wants this Christmas is her.

In the small town of Crystal Lake, Christmas is a time for sledding, hot chocolate, and cozying up to the fire with those you love. For Jake Edwards, it’s also time to come home and face his past. He thought there would never be anything harder than losing his brother. Turns out there is: falling in love with his brother’s widow, Raine.

Ever since they were little, Jesse was the Edwards brother who was always there for her, and Jake was the one who knew just how to push her buttons. Raine can’t imagine a life without them, which is why it was doubly decimating when Jake left town after his brother’s sudden death. Now he’s back and she doesn’t know whether to be mad or thrilled. Maybe both. Maybe it will be the perfect chance for both of them to finally find happiness again.

REVIEW:
Jake & Raine have both been mourning the loss of Jesse but in very different ways.

Jake is mourning his twin. But he has to live with the guilt that he could not save his brother, the guilt that he has been in love with Raine since they were all kids, the guilt that he has not been there for his family for the last year and half.

Raine had to deal with not only the loss of her husband but her best friend too. Jake told her he would be there for her, but he wasn’t. Jake was not there for Raine when she needed him the most.

These two have a heartbreaking story. The whole story was very emotional but very good. Jake and Raine really should have been together from the start, but that is want second chances are for. Right?

I really love this series and I love the cast of characters that Juliana has created. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Winter Romance Wednesday (Part 2)! Kelly reviews A SEAL Wolf Christmas by Terry Spears

A Seal Wolf ChristmasTITLE: A SEAL Wolf Christmas
SERIES #: Heart of the Wolf #12
CHARACTERS: Bjornolf Jorgenson & Anna Johnson
AUTHOR: Terry Spears
PUBLICATION DATE: Sept 24, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Navy SEAL Bjornolf Jorgenson and undercover operative Anna Johnson have a rocky beginning at their first meeting all to do with pantyhose and tying her to a bed after some heavy-duty sparring, and him declaring she has mighty fine killer knees. Christmas is coming but thoughts of sugar plum fairies and kissing under the mistletoe isn’t something these two gray werewolves have in mind when they’re tasked to be the newlyweds preparing for Christmas while investigating a SEAL’s murder at a Christmas Tree farm.

Neither care about Christmas, sharing gifts, and all the traditions that go along with the season since neither enjoyed the holiday while growing up. But as they battle each other as to what makes for the perfect newly married couple’s first Christmas, they learn that a little Christmas cheer can become so much more, especially if they can take down a SEAL’s killer before they become his next target.

REVIEW:
Bjornolf & Anna have a history that not many know about. Well not much of a history as a fleeting moment of time. But that was enough time for both to realize that there was something more between them. But the job always comes first right?

I enjoyed this book very much even if I could not figure out how to pronounce Bjornolf’s name. Why do authors have to pick the most complicated names on the planet. Anyways. I really enjoyed B & Anna’s story. This was my first trip to the Heart of the Wolf series and I do plan on returning and reading the complete series in the very near future. While part of a series A SEAL Wolf Christmas easily reads as a stand alone book. Although I would have like to see the initial interaction between B & Anna. *wink, wink*

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas On 4th Street by Susan Mallery

Christmas on 4th StreetTITLE: Christmas On 4th Street
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #12.5
CHARACTERS: Noelle & Gabriel
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There’s nowhere better to spend the holidays than with New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery in the town of Fool’s Gold, where love is always waiting to be unwrapped… Noelle Perkins just got a second chance at life, and she intends to make the most of every minute. That’s why she ditched a frustrating legal career to open her own store in Fool’s Gold, California. The Christmas Attic celebrates everything that’s magical about her favorite season. Business is booming, and as a bonus, gorgeous army doctor Gabriel Boylan has offered to help out during the holiday rush.

Gabriel’s memories of Christmas past contain more sour grapes than sugar plums, thanks to a drill sergeant father who ran his home like a boot camp. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from injury sounds as appetizing as last year’s eggnog. Still, there are some enjoyable distractions in town, including sunny, sexy Noelle…and the red-hot mistletoe kisses they can’t stop sharing.

Gabriel didn’t think he was made for happily-ever-afters. But when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, only a fool could refuse.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Stars 6 Hours! 6 Wonderful hours… That is how long it took me to read this book. I could not put it down. There is no better place to be than Fool’s Gold during the holidays or anytime of year really. But there is something about the streets covered in snow with decorations on every business that makes you feel at home there.

We met Noelle in the previous books in the series and while we knew she had a history we hadn’t found out what it was until now. Noelle is a fighter but you wouldn’t know it from the sweetness we have come to know about her. And it takes awhile for Gabriel to see it too. These two are perfect for eachother. There is a chemistry that you feel from the first couple of pages and never seems to stop sizzling.

There is just something about this unbelievable town that makes you want to pack up and move there. Mallery has a way of bringing you home to her fictional town and making you never want to leave.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Stars As always Fool’s Gold is a fun place to visit. While this was not my favorite Fool’s Gold book I have read so far it was still a fun book. Gabriel & Noelle are so sweet together. It started from chapter one and keep going to the end of the book. Which is where I had my only problem. For me the jump from I can’t commit
to the altar was just a little too fast for my liking. But other than that I enjoyed this book. I really loved the snow scene!
If you are a Susan Mallery fan you will love this book. Because how can a trip to Fool’s Gold ever truly be bad?

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

5hearts-68-77

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap by Donna Kauffman

Sugar CookieTITLE: The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap
CHARACTERS: Varies By Story
AUTHOR: Kauffman, Angell & Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For friends Clara, Abby and Lily, only one thing is more delicious than the Pine Mountain holiday cookie exchange – finding the right man before they ring in the New Year!
Where There’s Smoke author Donna Kauffman
When flames from a recipe gone disastrously wrong send hunky firefighter Will Mason to pretty Clara Parker’s rescue, the sparks really begin to fly! And once Will gets a taste of Clara, he aches for more than just a little sugar from the famously single food columnist. .
The Gingerbread Man author Kate Angell
Folks have always told fun-loving Abby Denton that her anatomically correct Gingerbread cookies are. . .impressive. But those erotic cookies have nothing on the sexy stranger Abby saves from a snowy country road. Could Lander Reynolds be the Christmas treat she’s truly been longing for?
Sugar And Spice author Kimberly Kincaid
When caterer Lily Callahan goes up against hotshot pastry chef Pete Mancuso in the bake-off of the season, the stakes are high–and scandalously passionate. Will the gorgeous gourmand steal Lily’s heart–and the top prize in the Christmas cookie competition?

 

REVIEW:
This is a very cute anthology about 3 friends wrapped around cookies and great for the holidays. I was going to review each story separately but to be honest they all flow really well and fit together perfectly. The second story is probably the saddest of the three. And the first by Kauffman was my favorite but I really enjoyed all three stories equally.

The women of this story are strong and independent women and while none of them would mind a relationship it is nothing something they are focusing on which I was glad about. When you’re not looking is when love knocks I guess. The men if this story fall pretty quick but they are all sweet and loving and all very different.

This is a great holiday romance that is not overwhelming to try to read during this busy time of year.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Sleigh Belles by Beth Albright

Sleigh BellesTITLE: Sleigh Belles
SERIES #: Sassy Belles #3
CHARACTERS: Dallas & Cal
AUTHOR: Beth Albright
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With her hair perfectly coiffed, nails freshly manicured and a heavy trail of perfume wafting behind her, local news reporter Dallas Dubois is sure she’s about to kick her career—and maybe her love life—into high gear. The director of the Tuscaloosa children’s Christmas play has fallen ill, and Dallas is ordered by her station manager to take the reins. Everyone is shocked—especially Cal Hollingsworth, who still remembers her as the Ice Queen from high school.

If nothing else, Dallas has never met a challenge that a little lip gloss and a Chanel knockoff couldn’t fix. But she has no idea how to relate to these kids, and their brutal honesty is giving her pause. Things are made even more complicated by the butterflies she gets whenever Cal is near….

But when long-lost family members re-enter her life, Dallas’s icy veneer begins to melt. And with Cal by her side, she soon realizes that it’s what’s under all the hair spray that counts.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars I enjoyed this story all though it had many sad parts. I wondered if it really was a holiday story with home much sadness was going on. But in the end as with all holiday stories it has a happy ending.

Dallas is hard to like at first. She seemed so smug and stuck up but once the reader gets to know her and her story there is actually something that changes the way the reader sees her. Cal is a sweet guy and I enjoyed him but honestly this is not his story. It is Dallas’s.

I’ll be honest. There were a couple of things I did not like. I tried to figure out how to say it on here but it would be spoiler so I will not do that but lets say sometimes forgiveness doesn’t come with a bow. And I wish there had been a epilogue. I wanted to know what happened with Sara Grace. But maybe that will be told in the next book. But all that being said it ended up a heartwarming holiday story perfect for a winter day snuggled up in front of the fire that gets you into a holiday mood.

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

3hearts-68-77

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Memory Tree by Joseph Pittman

Memory TreeTITLE: The Memory Tree
SERIES #: Linden Corners #4
CHARACTERS: Janey & Brian
AUTHOR: Joseph Pittman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can they look to the future—and still celebrate the past…?

As the holidays descend upon Linden Corners, life becomes a flurry of cooking, shopping, and visiting friends and family—and young Janey Sullivan is worried her Christmas traditions may get lost in the mix. Though she loves her adoptive father, Brian Duncan, she longs for her birth parents and questions her past. But an unexpected yuletide visitor may have just the answers she needs.

Haunted by the loss of his soul mate, Brian is reluctant to test the waters of the dating pool. With his family all coming to visit for Christmas, he hardly has time to think about it anyway—until newcomer Trina Winter arrives in town. Now, as life moves on for everyone around him, Brian begins to wonder if he can do the same.

As they grapple with the pain of the past, Janey, Brian, and Trina will each learn to make the changes that could lead to a bright new future—and perhaps the family they’ve always dreamed of.

REVIEW:
This is a very sweet holiday story. Having read only the third in the series and now the fourth some of the history of this series is lost but it still makes for a wonderful tale. The third in the series (A Christmas Hope) had me bawling my eyes out (honestly) but while this one is sweet with a touch of sad it did not have the impact that the last one did. But that does not mean it is not good because it is. The other was just incredible.

The author is very…um…wordy. He likes to ramble a bit but his ramblings bring you into the picture of this quaint little town. I am sad at some of the turns this story took because the characters have already been through so much especially Janey but it did open up a new direction for the next story.

Someday I hope to read the first and second one in the series because I think the reader misses out on a big dynamic if the series is not read from the beginning.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Red Hot Holiday by Calhoun/Mitchell/Braemel

TITLE: Red Hot Holiday
AUTHOR: Calhoun/Mitchell/Braemel
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/03/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I’ll be home for Christmas…to fulfill all your dreams.

This holiday, a Mountie is determined to get her man. A widow finds a fireman who ignites her passions again. And two men unsure of their commitment discover a happily ever after—and a blindfold—under their tree. No matter your desires, this collection of three shorts is bound to treat you to all the joys of the season.

Edited by Angela James, this anthology includes:
I Need You for Christmas by Leah Braemel
Breath on Embers by Annie Calhoun
Wish List by K.A. Mitchell

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is a three part anthology with some steamy holiday romance. Each story is well written and while the third is the best of the three all are worth reading. While the love is in the air the sex is steamy too. I liked how the characters were already set in motion and didn’t just fall for the holidays. If you enjoy a holiday read with a bit of romance thrown in then I think you will enjoy these stories. Be warned though the first story is m/m

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

Kimberly reviews Romancing The Holiday by Burton/Dimon/Barth

TITLE: Romancing The Holiday
SERIES #: Kent Brothers #3/Holloway #3
AUTHOR: Burton/Dimon/Barth
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/03/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
We wish you a merry Christmas…and a happily ever after!

A memorable three-night stand gets rekindled in a cabin in West Virginia. An office romance is sparked by an impulsive holiday kiss. And two best friends scout locations for a marriage proposal and discover that they make a perfect match. ‘Tis the season for laughter, love and a lifetime of happiness.

Edited by Angela James this anthology includes:
We’ll Be Home for Christmas by HelenKay Dimon
The Best Thing by Jaci Burton
Ask Her at Christmas by Christi Barth

REVIEW:
Great holiday romances. These are novella’s from previous holiday stories. Enjoyable for the holidays. Not much I can say about them except if you enjoy a holiday romance then pick this one up.

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

4 Hearts

Kimberly’s review of Countdown To First Night by Hart/Daley/Minton

TITLE: Countdown To First Night
AUTHOR: Hart/Daley/Minton
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ten, nine, eight, seven…
Winter’s Heart by Jillian Hart
Shelby Craig comes to Snow Falls for a First Night job, but secretly hopes it will be a respite from her grief and a haven for her two young kids. A sympathetic cop becomes the determined widow’s staunchest ally—though helping her may break his heart.

Six, five, four…

Snowbound at New Year by Margaret Daley
This was supposed to be a done deal! Children’s book author Ellie Summers came to the festival to meet her new illustrator. She didn’t expect him to turn down her proposal. And then to find the obstinate man so charming… Is it wrong to hope his matchmaking twin daughters succeed?

Three, two, one…

A Kiss at Midnight by Brenda Minton
Pride is a hard thing to swallow, but Jolie Godwin does her best to ignore her grievances with Jake Wild this one time. The man is graciously letting her exhibit her artwork in his luxury resort for First Night. He seems like a good person and a devoted uncle. If only he’d always been so perfect. Because his kiss is something she can’t forget….

Cue the fireworks!

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars First let me say in general each story was sweet. I am not one who enjoys the whole “We meet, we aren’t meant to be together, we need to be together, we love each other” in a matter of a couple of chapters but these stories were sweet enough to keep me interested.

Winter’s Heart by Jillian Hart
This was a very cute story. I liked that the main couple already knew each other as children and had reconnected. I really enjoyed the main male character of Ronan when he interacted with the children. Very sweet story.

Snowbound at New Year by Margaret Daley
This was cute but not as cute as the first one. I was a little tired of the main male character Brody’s attitude. He should have been named Brooding because that is what it seemed he was doing the whole time. I enjoyed the children of the story too even though trust me no 6 year old speaks the way they do.

A Kiss at Midnight by Brenda Minton
Once again I enjoyed this story as much as the first story. I liked that the characters had a history and in this case a very long history. The characters are really interesting and I loved that little Anna spoke sign language. There is true romance in this story.

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

Jennifer’s review of Kissing Under The Mistletoe by Marina Adair

TITLE: Kissing Under the Mistletoe
AUTHOR: Marina Adair
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Regan Martin stopped believing in Christmas miracles six years ago when she lost everything–her house, her job, and her impeccable reputation in the wine industry–after she fell in love with a man she had no idea was married. Then Regan gets a chance for a fresh start in the Napa Valley, and she starts wondering if holiday wishes really do come true. But she soon tumbles back down to earth when she learns that her new boss is none other than Gabe DeLuca, the scorned wife’s brother. Gabe wants nothing more than home-wrecking Regan Martin out of his life, his sister’s world, and his family’s business. Mostly, he wants the lush beauty out of his head. Yet his attempts to run her out of town have him thinking twice, especially when he sees that Regan may hold the key to tracking down his sister’s stolen start-up capital. Even worse for Gabe, Regan might just be his Christmas wish and hold the key to his heart.

REVIEW:
This was a great little holiday romance for me. I connected to Regan’s character from the very beginning because all she wanted was a home for her daughter and to leave her past mistakes behind her. She regretted having an affair with a man that she had no idea was married until it was too late and Gabe DeLuca had been making her life miserable ever since to protect his sister, Abby, from ever meeting the “other woman.” I never understood why Gabe went to such great lengths to damage Regan’s reputation wherever she went. I could understand that he didn’t want them meeting but going out of his way to get her fired from jobs was just downright spiteful. I didn’t like his character for most of the book because of this and it wasn’t until almost the end, that I started to warm up to him. There were times in this book that I want to give him a swift kick in the butt but he made it up to Regan at the end. The ending of this book absolutely killed me and made me a crying mess and I loved every minute of that scene for Regan.

I recently found out that Marina is working on the third novel in this series and I can’t wait to spend more time with the delightful characters of St. Helena. The townspeople of St. Helena make this book even more fun especially the three Mrs. Clauses. Some of the things they did in this book still make me laugh thinking about them. I’m now curious as to which DeLuca family member will find love and happiness in the next installment.

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

An Extra Sweet Treat… Santa’s Executive by Carrie Ann Ryan

It was a close call between JANE’S GIFT by Karen Erickson and SANTA’S EXECUTIVE by Carrie Ann Ryan. Only one vote tipped Jane’s Gift into the lead. In the Christmas spirit Books-N-Kisses decided to feature Santa’s Executive as an extra sweet treat for you!

Welcome Carrie Ann! It was a close vote so we are happy you were able to join us as well.

Hi! Thanks for having me!

Why did you want to include a Christmas story as part of your Holiday, Montana series?

When I first came up with the idea of Holiday, Montana, I wanted each book to center around a different holiday—and of course, a sexy Cooper brother. I of course had to go with Halloween, Valentine’s Day and a couple others, but Christmas was the first one in my mind. It’s the one holiday a year I get off to celebrate with my family no matter what, so it’s a big deal.

Do you have a favorite holiday novel?

You know, I had a couple before this week, and now that I’ve read Jennifer Ashley’s A Mackenzie Family Christmas, I choose that one!

What is your favorite part of the holidays?

Presents! No, not really. My favorite part is just seeing my family and my in-laws again. We live so far away, that it’s nice to see them again.

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

Hmm…we moved around so much as kids, that I didn’t really have too many. But every year we get a box of chocolates under the tree. The only time of the year we’re allowed to indulge. I plan on continuing that tradition with my future kids. My husband is all for it!

What books do you have coming out soon?

Oh so many! BLURRED EXPECTATIONS (Redwood Pack Book 4.5) is a novella about Reed, Hannah, and Josh from TRINITY BOUND and that comes out early January. The third book in the Holiday, Montana series, FINDING ABIGAIL, comes out early February. I think you can guess what holiday that’s about. The fourth book in the series, HER LUCKY LOVE, comes out in March. Guess the holiday! I have a book a month coming out until July then a couple more after that. Yes, I’m a bit crazy.

Finally, What would you like to say to your fans that voted for your novel?

I’m so touched and humbled. I know this novel isn’t the normal “under-the-tree” romance and it’s a bit more fun, so I’m so happy that my readers enjoyed it!

THANK YOU and Happy Holidays!

Thanks Carrie Ann for joining us and Happy Holidays to you too!!!

Now some words from fans of Santa’s Executive!

Jacki C. says: I love Santa’s Executive. It is part of a great series by Carrie Ann Ryan. And, what’s not to love about the characters? Justin is a former bad boy who likes Christmas cookies, and Rina is a giant elf. Those touches of whimsy made the book even that much better!

Nicole G says: Definitely Santa’s Executive by Carrie Ann Ryan. A hot guy, a beautiful elf, cookies, and romance. Who could ask for more for Christmas. Definitely a different but refreshing take on a Christmas romance. Totally worth reading 🙂

Margie says: Santa’s Executive by Carrie Ann Ryan has my vote, sexy guy who loves sugar cookies, and a sexy elf what’s not to love?

Viviana says: Santa’s Executive has my vote! A great story filled with fun characters and part of a wonderful series! Carrie Ann truly captures the *spirit* of Christmas and captivates her readers with witty dialogue, sexy men (LOVE the Cooper brothers) and in this case a sweet, smart and spunky elf!

To reach Carrie Ann Ryan: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Kimberly’s review of What Happens At Christmas by Victoria Alexander

TITLE: What Happens At Christmas
AUTHOR: Victoria Alexander
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS

A blazing fire, an English country house … and the ultimate game of charades. In this charming holiday novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander, a beautiful widow finds her plan for a Christmas proposal going perfectly awry …
Camille, Lady Lydingham, knows precisely what she wants for Christmas—an official engagement to a handsome, dashing prince. Her very proper suitor expects a proper English family and the perfect Dickensian Christmas, which leaves the lovely widow with a slight problem. The last thing Camille wants is for the prince to meet her unconventional relatives. But with the aid of a troupe of actors, Camille intends to pull off a Christmas deception of massive proportions.

At least until Grayson Elliot shows up. A dozen years ago, he declared his love on the day before her marriage to another man, then vanished from her life. Now he’s back, gate-crashing Camille’s already chaotic house party, playing absolute havoc with her scheme—and with her heart. Because for Grayson, losing Camille once was quite bad enough. Losing her twice? Unthinkable. And he’ll find a way to show her they belong together—for this season, and every Christmas yet to come…:

REVIEW:
4 1/2 Stars If you enjoy historical romance then Victoria Alexander is probably already on your favorites list and this book will keep her right at the top of that list. No one can write historicals like Alexander can. She brings you right into the world of Lords and Ladies until you feel you are living in the wrong era.

I so enjoyed the characters of Camille and Grayson as well as the background players of this book.. and I do mean players. When Camille has set her sights on a prince who wants the Dickens version of Christmas Camille figures this is her chance to win him over and hires a troupe of actors to play her family who are away for the holidays. Then the unexpected happens the her one true love comes back after 11 years. And just when you think that is story enough the real family returns to celebrate Christmas, and so it keeps going on and Camille becomes unsure of her plan for Christmas and her plan for a prince.

I really enjoyed this holiday novel. While I will say it was a bit too long and could have been shortened some the story is engrossing, funny and sweet. As a fan of not only the genre but also of Alexander herself I expected this book to be good but having never read a holiday story from her I must say this book put me right into the holiday spirit. What a wonderful book.

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

4 Hearts