Kimberly reviews Holding Out For A Hero by Amy Andrews

TITLE: Holding Out For A Hero
CHARACTERS: Ella & Jake
AUTHOR: Amy Andrews
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/15/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Holding Out For A Hero
When sensible schoolteacher Ella Lucas rides into her home town on a Harley and seduces the resident football hero, Jake Prince, she figures she can be forgiven and move on. After all, she’s just buried her mother.

Two years later, back in the city, their paths cross again but this time Jake is in the process of destroying her favourite dive bar. With her home facing a wrecker’s ball, her school being closed down and her 15-year-old brother hell bent on self-destruction, it’s the last straw. Throw in a dominatrix best friend who is dating a blue ribbon guy so straight he still lives at home with his mother, it’s no wonder the sanest person in Ella’s life is a dog.

With all this to contend with, the last thing Ella needs is Jake back in her life. But, as fate would have it, Jake is the only chance she has to save her school.

As the school football season heats up, old secrets threaten to surface and Ella takes on greedy developers, school boards and national tabloids. But can she save not just her home, her school and her brother, but also the reputation of the man she’s never been able to forget? And, more importantly, does she want to?

Holding Out for a Hero is a quirky, heartwarming tale of unlikely romance, friendship and family.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I enjoyed this story. It was a bit of a different storyline than usual. It was a bit wordy with the same things over and over and I am not sure there was much chemistry between the characters but somehow the story worked.

Ella has just about everything coming at her that you can imagine and there is a bit of background between Ella and Jake so it makes sense they connect again but it was odd how at some points the author wrote that the characters had a connection even in youth and then other times that they barely talked to each other growing up.

But it is a heart touching story that turns out to have a HEA.

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

October 28, 2013October 22, 2013

Kelly reviews Raw by Jo Davis

TITLE: RAW
SERIES #: Torn Between Two Lovers Novella #1
CHARACTERS: Anna Claire & Grayson James
AUTHOR: Jo Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 15, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVERS is a gripping and sexy romance trilogy with a unique twist: Our heroine needs your help to decide who wins her heart… RAW introduces this sizzling new series, in which two enticing men will vie for Anna’s heart—culminating in a choice that will be determined by reader vote!

Anna Claire is a prominent restaurateur, the toast of New York. She’s not one to let down her guard, but her new prep chef is gorgeous enough to cause her to break her own rules, and soon she’s tearing up the sheets with Grayson James. More than that, she’s falling in love.

Until she discovers that Grayson is no chef. He’s an FBI agent investigating a drug ring he suspects is using her restaurant. Anna is shattered to learn she was just part of his cover.

The case means everything to Gray, right until the moment he loses what matters the most—not his intended target, but Anna. Gray is devastated when the woman he loves learns of his betrayal. Especially with his greatest enemy all too eager to take advantage of her…

So, will you join #TeamGrayson or #TeamJoaquin? Make the informed choice: Don’t miss RISKY, available in November 2013.

REVIEW:
In RAW we get to meet Anna Claire, successful restaurant owner, confident woman, yet lonely. So when her newest prep chef catches her eye and then saves her from a mugging she decided to give Grayson a chance. Gray & Anna start to get close very fast. So fast Anna believes she is falling in love. But as they get closer Gray starts acting weird and Anna is getting a little nervous that he may be keeping something from her. But what will Anna do when she learns the truth?

This is an interesting concept that Jo Davis is doing. RAW is the first in a trilogy were you as the reader pick the outcome of the series. So once you have read RAW you need to read RISKY (out in November) and decided which male you think that Anna should pick. Then in Feb 2014 Jo will be releasing the final novella in the trilogy REWARD.

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.

October 25, 2013October 22, 2013

Kelly reviews Anything But Love by Beth Ciotta

TITLE: Anything But Love
SERIES #: Cupcake Lovers #3
CHARACTERS: Luke Monroe & Reagan Deveraux
AUTHOR: Beth Ciotta
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct. 1, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
LOVE IS SWEET…

For Reagan Deveraux, Sugar Creek, Vermont, and the Cupcake Lovers are a dream come true: A cozy little town where family and friends come before everything else. She’s never experienced anything like it—especially not growing up with her mother, a fickle, fame-hungry heiress. But Rae’s plan to hide out in anonymity for a year until she can claim her inheritance—and her independence—changes with one kiss from gorgeous pub owner Luke Monroe.

UNTIL YOU SPICE IT UP…

Luke’s charm is legendary, but he’s never been a one-woman man. Until Rae captures his attention, that is, and then disappears. With a little help from a friend, Luke tracks her down—and unearths secrets almost too wild to be true, as well as the fact that Rae lied to him, and to all of Sugar Creek. Luke’s not sure if he can forgive her, but he definitely can’t forget her, and when she returns to save the Cupcake Lovers from disaster, he knows it’s his chance to get the truth—and get the girl, this time for good

REVIEW:
Luke is the towns local playboy. Always juggling multiple women at a time. But when he hires the shy, quiet Rachel something changed for him. He really liked Rachel and after a mind blowing kiss everything changed. Luke can’t get Rachel out of his mind even if it means hurting his cousin. But when Rachel disappears from Sugar Creek everyone finds out she has been lying to them for over a year. Even knowing that Reagan (aka Rachel) lied to him Luke still can’t shake these feeling he has for her. What is a man to do?

Reagan is not happy to be home. She would rather be anywhere but home, she would really like to be back in Sugar Creek. The year she spent there was the best year of her life. But she had to come home, face reality and collect her inheritance so she can move on. The last person Reagan ever expected to see on her doorstep on Christmas eve was Luke.

Luke & Reagan both have a lot of secrets that they don’t want others to know. But if they would learn to share with each other they maybe able to face them together. But there is one secrets they are trying to keep from their family and friends. And like any secret the harder to try to keep it the greater the chance it get out.

Every trip to Sugar Creek, Vermont keeps getting sweeter and sweeter. I will say that I was super excited about “Anything But Love”, because Luke is my favorite character so far. I can’t wait to see what is next for the Cupcake Lovers group… Bring on Sam!!!

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.

October 24, 2013October 20, 2013

Kimberly reviews Cinderella Screwed Me Over by Cindi Madsen

TITLE: Cinderella Screwed Me Over
CHARACTERS: Darby & Jake
AUTHOR: Cindi Madsen
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/22/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Darby Quinn has a bone to pick with Cinderella. Burned one too many times by ex-boyfriends, Darby has lost all belief in the happily-ever-after that the fairy-tale princess promised her. She’s sworn off love, Prince Charmings, and happy endings and she’s happy about it. Really. Or at least she was…until she met Jake, her gorgeous neighbor and the manager of her favorite restaurant. But Darby has rules about dating, ones she’s culled from her years spent with so-called “princes,” and starting something with Jake would break all of them.

Charming, fun, and unwilling to give up on her, Jake doesn’t fit any of the profiles Darby has created from her case studies of ex-princes-gone-bad. Finally presented with her own Prince Charming, can Darby take a chance on a happily-ever-after?

Full of wit and sarcastic humor, Cinderella Screwed Me Over proves that sometimes the perfect love, like a perfect pair of shoes, is just within your grasp.

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story. I will be honest and say it was not exactly what I expected but I found myself wanting to read every word. Ironically enough while reading the story a friend posted a comment about Disney princesses not being a bad role model for little girls and I found myself commenting back that while the girls were strong the stories gave an unrealistic view of relationships. Once I realized what I was writing I realized that this is what makes a good book. One that makes you think and yet you still enjoy it.

Now there were somethings that I had a hard time with. First there was just too much “I can’t break my rules for him. He makes me want to break my rules. etc”. Darby is a bit too cynical if you ask me. Honestly the relationships she describes are not all that horrible and are something that most women have been through at some point (or know of a friend who has been through it) and yet Darby feels these are reasons to stop trying. I actually thought there would be a moral. Something like learning from the past means you find what you don’t want so it is worth it, blah, blah but it never came. Also based on the title I expected more humor. I thought there would be some silliness but there is not. There is snide humor and almost a sad humor sometimes but not a fun humor.

Ok now do not get me wrong. Yes there are some flaws but the story is good and if you enjoy the Disney Princesses then you will enjoy the connection and actually wonder what “prince” catagory your ex-boyfriends fall into.

PS: I wonder if the author purposely used the name Darby which is a character in the new Winnie The Pooh and Friends show…. Was she trying to subconsciously tell the reader the best guy to love is a teddy bear? hmmm… or is that just me being cynical?

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

October 23, 2013October 20, 2013

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison

TITLE: Have Yourself A Curvy Little Christmas
SERIES #: A Perfect Fit #1.5
CHARACTERS: Dina & Ben
AUTHOR: Sugar Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Special Holiday Novella!

On the first day of Christmas, Dina Gregory, former wild child and prodigal daughter returns home to New York on a mission. Finding her young son’s father and making him take responsibility for the child he created is the only thing on her wish list. But instead of finding the man she was looking for she runs into his stuffy older brother Ben.

Ben has never liked Dina, but being trapped together on the holidays allows him to see a different side of her. She brings back his Christmas spirit and in the process reminds him what it feels like to love. Dina’s past makes her wary of falling in love, but Ben is determined to make her stay as his permanent Christmas gift.

REVIEW:
I love the way that Sugar Jamison writes. Having read Dangerous Curves Ahead I couldn’t wait to read this story even before I knew what/who it was about and I was not disappointed. The story is sweet and has the true holiday spirit in every page.

I also enjoyed the bit of karma in the pages. We met Dina in the first book and she was skinny spoiled woman and here she comes back after having a baby and has gained more weight than she wanted to. So it was nice to see her kind of see the other side of the weight issue.

Thank you Sugar Jamison for giving us such great characters to enjoy!

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.

October 21, 2013October 13, 2013

Kimberly reviews Gabriel’s Outlaw by Sandra Chastain

TITLE: Gabriel’s Outlaw
CHARACTERS: Jessie & Gabriel
AUTHOR: Sandra Chastain
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jessie James gets more than she bargained for when she agrees to participate in her hometown’s Gold Rush Days celebration. She’s supposed to lead a historical reenactment of a wagon train delivering gold to the capitol building in Atlanta. But after an anonymous phone call tips off a planned robbery, the governor sends someone to protect the payload—the man who broke Jessie’s heart. And when he strides into her bar, looking tempting in his cowboy boots and jeans, Jessie is consumed by righteous fury . . . and overwhelming desire.

Haunted by old memories of the sexy, enigmatic Jessie, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Gabriel St. Clair isn’t too keen on returning home. His goal is to complete his assignment and skip town as soon as possible. But there’s no way Gabriel will be able to make a clean getaway once he feels the pull of the fierce daredevil he loved and lost.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts Well I really didn’t enjoy this story. While I usually enjoy these re-releases, even though some sections are dated, this one just didn’t have the same appeal.

The characters didn’t have any chemistry. The story was different but it didn’t flow very well. There are some dated sections but not many. The problem wasn’t the time period but the story itself I am sad to say.

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

October 19, 2013October 4, 2013

Coreenee Callahan’s Dragonfury Series

Fury of Fire

Dragonfury #1

A clandestine race of half-dragon, half-humans known as dragon-shifters lives among us.

Bastian, leader of the Nightfury dragon clan, is sworn to protect humankind at all costs. For him, honor and duty always come first. When the clan dictates he take a human mate to sire a son, he falters, aware that for a human to birth a dragon-shifter she must die. Myst, the woman given into his care, is the most extraordinary he’s ever met, and though he can’t bear the thought of harming her, he is bound by duty.

Myst loves her life in the human world, but Bastian has captured her heart in an instant of electric connection. But Bastian and his warriors are in the middle of a deadly battle with the Razorback dragon-shifters, intent on killing every Nightfury clan member—and the humans they protect—the fate of their world and ours hangs in the balance.

An extraordinary blend of action, fantasy, and steamy romance, Fury of Fire brings to life a dangerous new world intertwined with the survival of humanity, all while exploring the meaning of honor and the nature of true love.

*****

Fury of Ice

Dragonfury #2

Coming from a race of dragons able to assume human form, Rikar, the last of the frost dragons, never imagined he could be conquered ? until a sizzling encounter with street-tough homicide detective Angela Keene. He’s consumed by his need for her, and willing to do anything to be with her again. Then the unthinkable happens: Angela falls into the clutches of a clan of dragonkind who feed off the life energy of women. If Rikar can’t rescue Angela, the only person who has ever been strong enough to command his love will be destroyed. Refusing to accept this fate, he vows to track down Angela and make her abductors pay ? even if it costs his life.

*****

Fury of Seduction

Dragonfury #3

Successful landscape designer Tania Solares prides herself on living by her own terms, relying on no man to provide for her. But her carefully controlled life takes a turn for the extraordinary when her inquiry into the disappearance of her best friend thrusts her between two warring factions of dragon-shifters. Suddenly Tania’s survival depends on Mac, a newly initiated dragon-warrior who will break every rule to keep her safe.

Now that Tania knows the truth about Dragonkind, returning to her old life is too grave a risk. Ivar, leader of the Razorbacks, plots to decimate the human race, and Tania is just the tool he needs. Despite the danger, Mac cannot deny her a choice: Trade the independence she’s fought so hard to achieve for safety in a magical world, or turn her back on the man she’s grown to love in order to reclaim a freedom that might not last? It is an impossible choice. And yet a sacrifice must be made

*****

Fury of Desire

Dragonfury #4

No warrior of the Nightfury pack is more complicated or damaged than Wick.

Scarred from a childhood of slavery and torture, Wick cannot bear the touch of another person. But all bets are off when he meets J.J. Solares. When she is unjustly imprisoned, Wick agrees to help rescue and keep her from harm. But Wick lives a life of self-imposed isolation and venturing into the world to seek justice for J.J. may be more than he can bear.

Brutalized by the harsh reality of prison, J.J thinks she is hallucinating when a majestic dark-haired god sweeps in to save her—and Wick is shaken to his core by the attraction he feels for J.J. But neither is out of harm’s way yet. When they find themselves at the center of a Dragonkind war, they are forced to make the ultimate choice—surrender to their fears or accept each other’s love.

October 18, 2013October 13, 2013

Kelly reviews First Rapture by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: First Rapture
SERIES #: Rapture #1
CHARACTERS: Luc Angeli & Madison Philips
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: Sept 28, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FROM NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER the first book in a new erotic series.

Madison Philips has only one reason to return to Las Vegas: Luc Angeli. The tall, dark bad boy took her virginity on her eighteenth birthday and then walked away, now she’s back, and ready for revenge. Luc Angeli spent his youth trying to earn the approval of his philandering father. Now he’s his own man, but there’s still something missing from his life. He doesn’t know what it is until he catches sight of Madison across a balcony. Suddenly he knows this woman is what he’s been searching for, and this time he’s not walking away.
Approximately: 20,000 words
Author note: First Surrender is part of the Wicked Firsts anthology. It can be purchased as part of the multi-author box set or individually.

REVIEW:
Who doesn’t love a chance at second love? But what do you do when you want revenge more?
This was a great story. I don’t want to give too much away since this was novella. But I did love Luc & Madison’s story. I loved the strength of both characters. I do wish the story was a little longer, I would love to learn more about Luc’s past. And I would love to see what the future holds for these two. I hope that Ms. Ivy revisits them soon.
If you are looking for a quick, steamy read filled with love, torment and forgiveness you need to pick up a copy of First Rapture.

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.

October 16, 2013October 16, 2013

Wicked Thing Blog Tour & Giveaway

The Evolution of Wicked Thing

by Angeline Kace

I’ve always found it fascinating when authors share the journey a book took to get to where it is when I read it, so I thought it’d be fun to share with you a lot of the ways Wicked Thing changed from beginning to end.

I got the idea for Wicked Thing while sitting in my auditing class one morning (I majored in accounting). I wrote long hand and wrote out the whole story, from their first time together (wink-wink) to the point their love story is resolved. When I was writing like a madwoman in class, I gave the characters names that felt were right for then at the time without much thought. Dallas was originally called Luke, and Carmyn was originally called Krista. Denton’s storyline didn’t come up until later, so Denton was always his name.

I originally called the book Don’t Speak after a line that is said in a crucial scene by one of the characters and then repeated by the other one later on in the story at another crucial moment. I called the book Don’t Speak for probably about 9 months. The DropBox folder on my computer where I have all the Wicked Thing files is still labeled as Don’t Speak. I ended up retitling the book when I found the song Wicked Game by Phillip Phillips. This song became the theme song for this book. It was the one song that I listened to that fit the tone and story with what I had going for the book perfectly. I couldn’t call the book Wicked Game because there are already so many books by that name. Plus, my favorite line in the song is, “What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you.” I knew from the beginning that it would be the guy who would recognize his feelings first and that the girl would be the one afraid to admit or allow herself to feel anything for him. So this song was perfect.

Another thing that changed multiple times was the cover image. I was set on a cover that I absolutely loved. But then a well-known author used that image on her book as it’s a stock image and anyone can purchase the rights for it, so I changed it. I finally found another imaged that I loved, but then another author published a book with the image as the cover and it actually became a bestseller, so it was back to the beginning. After that, I had a really hard time finding an image I liked enough as these original 2 to make it my cover. I went through numerous versions until I finally found the image of the cover as it is now and looooved it. I just didn’t know how to make it pop. That was when my designer, Emily Tippits, did her magic to make it how it is today.

Carmyn Rafferty witnessed the aftermath of her mother’s affair. She learned at a young age not to trust anyone. Especially not your spouse. So she’s planned. She’s planned every detail of her life: who her husband will be, what their careers will be, what their lives will be like. All to avoid the pain of infidelity.

Dallas Brown lives a life all his own. He doesn’t do relationships, he doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him, and he doesn’t live up to anyone’s expectations but his own.

When Carmyn’s fiancé cheats on her, it sends her into a whirlwind of one-night stands with the most infamous player on campus. She can’t seem to stay away from this tough guy and his dangerous motorcycle. Everything about him is the complete opposite of who she’d planned to fall in love with: tattoos, dark stubble along his jawline, and hair that brushes his shoulders.

As Dallas and Carmyn begin to fall deeper and deeper into each other, they learn that love can truly be a wicked, wicked thing.

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18005643-wicked-thing

About the Author:

Angeline is a Scorpio living in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and dogs. She loves all things paranormal, believes ghosts are real, werewolves aren’t, and vampires? Definitely real! At least in the Vampire Born world they are. She is currently at work on her first New Adult Romance, Wicked Thing, which releases September 2013.

Website / Facebook /Facebook Fan Page
Twitter / Goodreads

Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a WICKED THING charm bracelet with 6 charms. They will also receive a Dirty Dancing blu-ray and some candy. This contest is international.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

October 16, 2013October 6, 2013

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Secret Santa by Michael, Levine, Bostwick and Myers

TITLE: Secret Santa
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Michaels, Levine, Bostwick and Myers
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christmas is the time for miracles, mayhem, and holiday romance in these wonderful stories from four of today’s most beloved authors…

“Mister Christmas” by Fern Michaels
A week before Christmas, attorney Claire O’Brien is summoned to Ireland to change her wealthy client’s will–only to encounter resistance from his handsome nephew. Will Claire be forced to spend the holidays up close and personal with her irresistible Irish nemesis?

“The Yellow Rose of Christmas” by Marie Bostwick
Though Miss Velvet Tudmore wrote off romance years ago, rumor has it she has a secret admirer. And when her surprise suitor promises to reveal himself at the annual Christmas ball in Too Much, Texas, Velvet starts to wonder: is it ever too late to find love?

“Nightmare on Elf Street” by Laura Levine
Aside from the mortifying costume, how bad can a gig as a mall Santa’s elf be? Jaine Austen finds out when she’s teamed up with the Santa from Hell. But things go from bad to worse when he’s found murdered on the job–and Jaine is a suspect. Now all she wants for Christmas is to find the real killer…

“Room at the Inn” by Cindy Myers
When a Rocky Mountain blizzard forces Barb and her husband to spend Christmas in a remote Colorado cabin with their fellow travelers, Barb struggles to cope–especially when her husband reveals troubling news. But sometimes a holiday shake-up is all a woman needs to discover what she’s truly made of…

REVIEW:
I was going to review each story separately but in all honesty they were all equally boring. There was no true connection between any of the characters. There was no real feel of the holidays either.

I just couldn’t get into these stories and I love the holiday stories when they come out. I’m sorry I just couldn’t enjoy this book.

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

October 14, 2013October 6, 2013

Kimberly reviews For Love Of Lacey by Sandra Chastain

TITLE: For Love Of Lacey
SERIES #: Holland-Winter #2
CHARACTERS: Lacey & Tyler
AUTHOR: Sandra Chastain
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The last time Lacey Lee Wilcox saw straight-laced corporate type Tyler Winter, he was wearing a permanent scowl with his perfectly tailored suit. So when he shows up at her best friend’s bohemian wedding, Lacey takes it upon herself to keep the cynical exec out of the way. But underneath the pinstripes, Lacey finds an old soul—not to mention an incredible body—and what was supposed to be a vexing day turns into a wild time that leaves Lacey wanting more.

Lacey’s taste for adventure stirs something in Tyler he wasn’t sure he still possessed. It’s something that worries him just a little—after all, he hasn’t become Atlanta’s most successful real-estate mogul by letting loose. But maybe, just maybe, there is such a thing as working too hard . . . and there’s no one Tyler would rather play hooky with than lovely Lacey.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a re-release from 1988 and while there are a few things things that are dated it is worth the read. Tyler is so adorably cute. He made me smile a number of times. Lacey cracks me up too. They are quite the pair.

The mood does change some about half way through the story and turns a little more serious but it is still a really good read…. it just looses some of the fun element of it.

This is a quick read and worth having around for the in between books pick up.

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

October 9, 2013October 6, 2013

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer

TITLE: A Nantucket Christmas
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: NancyThayer
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Known for her heartwarming observations of family life, New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer showcases her beloved Nantucket’s snowy off-season in this emotionally gratifying and utterly entertaining story.

Holidays on this Massachusetts island are nothing short of magical, from the jolly decorations on the Brant Point lighthouse to the much anticipated Christmas Stroll, in which merrymakers promenade through quaint streets adorned with Yuletide cheer. The season’s wonderful traditions are much loved by Nicole Somerset, new to Nantucket and recently married to a handsome former attorney. Their home is already full of enticing scents of pine, baking spices, and homemade pie.

But the warm, festive mood is soon tempered by Nicole’s chilly stepdaughter, Kennedy, who arrives without a hint of holiday spirit. Determined to keep her stepmother at arms’ length—or, better yet, out of the picture altogether—Kennedy schemes to sabotage Nicole’s holiday preparations. Nicole, however, is not about to let anyone or anything tarnish her first Christmas with her new husband.

Nancy Thayer’s wonderful tale reminds us that this is the season of miracles. Before the gifts are unwrapped, surprise visitors appear, and holiday joy comes to all, both naughty and nice.

REVIEW:
Honestly this story is just sad. Yes it has a happy ending but most of it is just down right depressing. First it starts with Nicole and Sebastian who are an older couple finding second love and then Kennedy (Sebastian’s grown daughter) makes for trouble on the first Christmas for the older couple.

Kennedy is a spoiled brat. She acts like a child wanting her divorced parents to get back together and doing everything to drive away the new wife. For a grown woman with a child she is just obnoxious and unlikable.

To be fair the writing is good but I can’t imagine how it would get anyone into the holiday spirit.

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